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SWEET LAYENDER 



A COMEDY IN THREE ACTS 



BY 

ARTHUR W/PINERO 



NOTICE. 







This play is printed as Manuscript only, and is not pub- 
lished. The right of performance is reserved, and can be 
obtained only by arrangement with the author's agents, 

No. 23 Winter St., Boston, Mass. 






5b 2 



Copyright, 1893, by 
ARTHUR W. PINERO 



All Eights Reserved 




n-vkx 



Ttpogbaphy and Electbotyping by C. J. Peters & Son. 
S. J. Pabkhill & Co., Pbintebs. 



THE PERSONS OF THE PLAY. 



Horace Bream (a young American). 

Geoffrey Wedderburn (of Wedderburn, Green 
& Hoskett, Bankers, Barnchester). 

Clement Hale (his adopted son, studying for the 
Bar). 

Richard Phenyl (a Barrister). 

Dr. Delaney (a fashionable Physician). 

Mr. Bulger (Hairdresser and Wigmaker). 

Mr. Maw (a Solicitor). 

Minnie Gilfillian (Niece of Mr. Wedderburn). 

Ruth Rolt (Housekeeper and Laundress at No. S, 
Brain Court, Temple)/ 

Lavender (her daughter). 

Mrs. Gilfillian (a widow — Wedderburn f s sister 
— Minnie s mother). 



THE FIKST ACT. 
Morning. "Nobody's Business." 



THE SECOND ACT. 

Evening of the Next Day. " Somebody's 

Business/' 



THE THIRD ACT. 
A Week Later. "Everybody's Business." 



SCENE. 
Chambers of Mr. Phenyl and Mr. Hale, No. S, 
Brain Court, Temple, London. Springtime. 
The Present Day. 



AUTHOR'S NOTE. 

The author of " Sweet Lavender" begs to remind his Am- 
erican patrons — amongstwhom there may be" those who are 
unfamiliar with the mode of life he attempts to depict in this 
play — that a set of chambers in the precincts of the Temple, 
though constituting only a portion of a house, is a distinct and 
separate establishment. Each set of chambers lias an inde- 
pendent door opening upon a common stairway, behind which 
door the occupant of the chambers is as much the lord of a 
castle as if he were in enjoyment of a mansion or a villa sur- 
rounded by a brick wall. 

" Chambers" consist of three or four rooms, and perhaps a 
pantry, and are often shared by two boon companions. The 
femal'e domestic attached to the house — who flits, not unlike 
the busy bee, from floor to floor — is, in the phraseology of 
Temple' life, called the " Laundress ; " and if, like Ruth Rolt, 
she dvrells upon the premises, she enjoys the further distinc- 
tion of being the " Housekeeper." 

The man who shelters in the Temple precincts obtains a 
silent security from the conventionalities of society. He is 
untrammelled, uncriticised, unobserved ; and while he pursues 
the career, either of a devoted student or an ardent Bohe- 
mian, tire oaken door which closes upon his rooms shuts him off 
from the world as conclusively as if he were a monk in a cell. 



SWEET LAVENDER 



THE FIRST ACT 

The scene is the comfortably furnished sitting-room 
of some barristers' chambers at 3 Brain Court, 
Temple. On the spectator's left and right are 
the doors leading respectively to the bedrooms of 
Richard Phenyl and Clement Hale. At the 

further end of the room, on the left, is a cur- 
tained opening leading into a hind of passage, 
ivhere a butler's tray stands, and facing the 
outer door of the chambers. The corresponding 

part of the room, ivhere the windows look on to 
the Court, forms a kind of recess curtained off 

from the rest. 
It is a bright spring morning. 

Ruth Rolt, a slim, delicate-looking ivoman of about 
35, zv ith a sweet face and a sad soft voice, humbly 
but very neatly dressed, is laying the breakfast 
things upon the table. 

Bulger, a meek bald-headed man, carrying a little 
old leather bag, a brass pot of hot ivater, and 
some clean towels, enters quietly. 

Bulger. 

I've give Mr. 'Ale a nice shave, Mrs. Rolt — clean 
5 



6 SWEET LAVENDER 

and quick. Water's 'ot enough for me jist to run 
over Mr. Phenyl's face if 'e's visible. 

EUTH. 

I'm afraid Mr. Phenyl isn't well enough for you 
this morning, Mr. Bulger. 

Bulger. 
Not one of 'is mornin's, hey ? 

[Ruth goes to the right-hand door and 
knocks sharply. 

Ruth. 
[Calling.'] Mr. Phenyl! Mr. Phenyl! The 
barber. 

Bulger. 
[Mildly behind his hand.] 'Airdresser. 

Ruth. 

Hairdresser. [ With a mournful shake of the 
head.] Xo^ase. 

Bulger. 
Well, Mrs. Rolt, I do wonder at a sooperior young 
gentleman like Mr. 'Ale stoopin' to reside with one 
of Mr. Phenyl's sort. 

Ruth. 
[Firing up.] What do you mean ? One of Mr. 
Phenyl's sort ! 

Bulger. 
I mean a person who's seen staggerin' 'ome with 
uncertain footfalls at all hours of the mornin', and 
can't 'old up his 'ead for shavin' more than twice a 
week. 



SWEET LA VENDER 7 

RUTH. 

I shouldn't wonder if Mr. Hale finds something 
to like, something to respect in Mr. Phenyl, with 
all his faults. 

Bulger. 

P'raps so. But to reflect that Mr. 'Ale used to 
be such a swell, as the sayin' goes, over in Pear 
Tree Court; and then, three weeks back, to come 
'ere and take up with the untidiest chin in the 
Inner Temple — it's bewilderin'. 

Ruth. 

\_Im patiently .] Oh ! [ Walks up to the ivindoiv, 
where she stands waiting far Bulger to go.~] 

Bulger. 

[ With a sigh.~\ Good mornin', Mrs. Bolt. 

RUTH. 

[ Without turning."] Good morning. 

[Bulger, on his way to the door, pauses, 
deposits Ids brass pot and towels on the 
table, then opens his bay mournfully. 

Butii. 
\_Turning with siuprise.~] Mr. Bulger ! 

Bulger. 

I'm still 'oping, Mrs. Rolt. 

Ruth. 
It's good to be hoping for something in this 
world, Mr. Bulger. 



8 SWEET LA VENDER 

Bulger. 
[Taking a piece of paper oat of his bag and ad- 
vancing towards Ruth.] My affection for you has 
now took poetic form, ma'am. Will you accept 
the heartiest effort ? 

EUTH. 

No, thank you. I — 

Bulger. 
Think, Mrs. Eolt. When it comes to poetry it 
comes to something. I, Edmund Bulger, widower, 
have loved you, Mrs. Ruth Rolt, widow, ever since 
you fust set foot in the Temple, fifteen years ago, 
a-bearing your two-year-old baby in your arms, 
ma'am. 

Ruth. 
\_Pained.~] Don't — don't. 

Bulger. 
I was the fust wot ever put scissors to your little 
Lavender's silky head, Mrs. Rolt. 

Ruth. 

Yes, I know that. 

Bulger. 
And I've had the 'andlin' of your tresses too — 
ay, and the singein' of 'em — till I found I loved 
you too fond to do your 'air what I call justice. 
[Gloomily offering his verses.~\ And now it's come 
down to poetry. 

Ruth. 
\Tuming away.~\ It's no good, indeed. 



SWEET LA VENDER 9 

Bulger. 

[Surveying the paper doubtfully. ~\ It ain't much 
good, but intellectually it's my all, ma'am. You 
won't ? 

EUTH. 

No, Mr. Bulger, please. 

Bulger. 
[Putting away the paper and taking up his 
things.~\ Adjourned sine die, ma'am. [Turning 
solemnly.'] I take leave for to mention that Mr. 
Justice Tyler's 1100 wig which I sent ; ome yester- 
day nips him at the nap o' the neck. Also that I 
cut Mr. Pritchett, the eminent Q.C.'s chin, in his 
own chambers yesterday ; a mole as I've skipped 
over these ten years like a gladsome child. I don't 
want to make a mountain out of a mole, Mrs. Eolt, 
but these facts denote the failin' 'and, ma'am. 
Good mornin'. 

[As Bulger is going there is a knock at tlie 
outside door, which lie opens, and admits 
Dr. Delaney, a genial old Irish gentle- 
man with silver y-g re g hair and whiskers. 

Dr. Delaney. 

Thank ye — I'm much obliged to ye. I'm call- 
ing on Mr. Hale. [Bulger goes out.l Is it Mrs. 
Eolt? 

EUTH. 

Yes, sir. 

Dr. Delaxey. 

I'm Doctor Delaney. I've just had the pleasure 
of seeing your daughter downstairs in the kitchen 
— in the basement. 



io SWEET LAVENDER 

Ruth. 

My daughter ? 

Dr. Delaney. 

The fact is I'm a friend of Mr. Hale's, and when 
I met him a night or two back at a little party, he 
told me that the child of his laundress — of the 
lady who moinds the house where he has chambers 
— was looking a little peaky, and that if ever I 
was near the Temple — 

Ruth. 

Oh, how good of Mr. Hale ! 

Dr. Delaney. 

Oh, deloightful of him. 

Ruth. 
[Gratefully.] And you too, Doctor 

Dr. Del axe y. 

[Taking her two hands in his for a moment.] 
Don't speak of it — not a bit. Mr. Hale isn't out 
of his bed yet, I take it ? 

Ruth. 

Yes, Doctor, he'll breakfast in a minute. 

[She goes to a door and knocks. 

Dr. Delaney. 
\_To himself] Now I wonder whether this boy 
is smitten with the bit of a girl downstairs. Ah ! 
thank goodness, it's no business of mine ! 

Ruth. 

[Knocking again.] Mr. Hale! 



SWEET LAVENDER n 

Clement. 
[In his room.'] Yes ? 

Euth. 

Dr. Delaney, please. 

Clement. 
[Calling.] Oh, thank you. I'm coming. 

[Euth continues laying the table. 

Dr. Delaney. 

[To himself.'] It would be a great disappoint- 
ment to Wedderburn the banker if the lad he's 
adopted did anything absurd. But, thank good- 
ness, it's no business of mine. ^( 

Euth. 

Don't you think my girl is looking very pale, 
Doctor ? 

Dr. Delaney. 

Ah, don't worry yourself now. It's the air of the 
Temple. She's a white chrysanthemum instead 
of a pink one. Your daughter's strong enough. 

Euth. 

Bless you for telling me that ! My Sweet Lav- 
ender ! 

Dr. Delaney. 
You're a little pale yourself now. 

Euth. 
I— oh, I've had trouble. 



12 SWEET LAVENDER 

Dr. Delaney. 

Ah, -you're a widow, I'm sorry to hear, Mrs. Eolt. 

Ruth. 

Yes, Doctor. 

Dr. Delaney. 

\_To himself .] /And you're right about the 
trouble you've had if I'm any judge of faces. 
[Sadly. ~] Thank goodness, it's no business of 
mine, < \_To Uuth.~\ Have you been alone a long 

while ? 

RuTH. 

\_Coldly.~\ I lost Lavender's father before she 
was born. 

Dr. Delaney. 

Ah, that's a pity now. 

Ruth. 

And she's all I have in the world, Doctor. In 
fact, she's myself. At times I think she's as old 
as I, or I as young as she. I feel her smile on my 
face, and the pains and aches I suffer go to her 
young bones. When she is poring over her lessons 
at night I am sure my eyes smart, for it — 

Dr. Delaney. 

Her lessons ! What lessons are those ? 

Ruth. 

She's a little backward, and works ha^d with her 
books in the evening ! Mr. Hale has been good 
enough to help her. 



SWEET LAVENDER 13 

Dr. Delaney. 

Oh, has he ? And she's very fond of her books — 
have ye noticed ? 

Ruth. 
Yes, very. 

Dr. Delaney. 
Then the only thing I've got to recommend is 
this — that ye'll put a stop to the lessons for six 
months or so. 

Ruth. 
Very well, Doctor. Poor Lavvy ! 

Dr Delaney. 

\To himself] I've hit it. Oh, thank goodness, 
this is no business of mine ! 

Clement Hale enters. He is a handsome boyish 
young man of about three and tiventy, immacu- 
lately dressed in a fashionable dressing suit. 

Clement. 
Dr. Delaney ! 

Dr. Delaney. 

Mee dear boy ! 

Clement. 
They call you a fashionable physician, and you're 
found in the City at ten in the morning. 

Dr. Delaney. 

Mee dear boy, I'll let yon into a secret — we 
can't get human ailments to keep fashionable 
hours. 



i 4 SWEET LA VENDER 

Clement. 

[Leading him over to the armchair. ~\ Best- 
hearted and best-humoured creature iu London, sit 
in the best chair. 

EUTH. 

[To Clement.] Dr. Delaney has seen Lavender. 
I — I can't thank you. 

Clement. 

[Smiling.] Please, don't. [With assumed care- 
lessness, to Delaney.] What do you think of the 
child ? 

Dr. Delaney. 

[Hesitating! i/. ~] Oh — she's been increasing her 
knowledge a little too rapidly, that's all. 

EUTH. 

Lavender has to give up her lessons for six 
months, the Doctor says. Isn't it a pity, Mr. Hale? 

[Euth goes out. 
Clement. 
Give up her lessons ? 

Dr. Delaney. 

Xow, it's no good overloading the brain of a 
young girl. Now, is it ? 

Clement. 
[Carelessly turning away.] ISTo, no. 

Dr. Delaney. 

^ [To himself.'] No, nor the heart neither. Good 

gracious ! Here's poor Wedderburn travelling 

abroad in happy ignorance, and it's nobody's busi- 



SWEET LAVENDER 15 

ness to look after the boy he loves like a son. 
Well, it's not my business at any rate. 

\_There is the sudden sound of the fall of 
some heavy object in the adjacent room. 

Dr. Delaney. 

What's that now ? 

Clement. 
That ? Oh, that's Dick. 

Dr. Delaney. 

Dick, is it ? 

Clement. 
Mr. Richard Phenyl, barrister-at-law. I share 
his chambers. Dick's dressing. 

Dr. Delaney. 

Dropped his waistcoat. 

Clement. 

Poor Dick ! If you saw him I dare say you'd 
be shocked at my making a companion of a man 
like Dick Phenyl. 

Dr. Delaney. 

Dear me ! 

Clement. 

But I know what good there is in old Dick, and 
how the good burns clearer and brighter in his 
slovenly person than in many who've had luck and 
love and luxury in their lives — which Dick hasn't. 
I shall pull him round yet. Like to know him ? 



1 6 SWEET LAVENDER 

Dr. Delaney. 
I loike to know everybody. 
Clement. 
[Opening the door slightly. ,] Dick ! \_To De- 
lane y.] You won't see hi in to advantage. I was 
busy last night, and he ran off the rails a little. 
Dick! [Turning away from the door.] All right. 

Dick Phenyl enters and walks unsteadily towards 
Clement. Dick is a shattered and dissolute- 
looking man of about five and forty, with 
shaggy iron-grey hair and ragged whiskers — 
a pale and cadaverous face, and a suggestion of 
redness about the nose. He wears the wreck 
of a once gaudy smoking jacket, which hangs 
loosely upon him, and his appearance has gen- 
erally a down-at-heel appearance. But, with 
all, he presents the remains of a gentleman, 
and — after he has recovered himself — his 
maniier, though eccentric, is refined and good- 
humoured. 

Dick. 
Clemen', my boy — good mor'ing. 

Clement. 

{Reproachfully. ] Hallo, Dick, Hallo ! 

Dick. 

I know wha' you infer, Clemen'. I'm a little 
late in falling — I mean, in rising, this mor'ing. 

Clement. 
[ With mock severity.'] A little early in going to 
bed this morning, Mr. Phenyl. 



SWEET LAVENDER 17 

Dick. 

Clemen', my boy, you're so unreasonable. I had 
an imporrant appointment at the " Steak and Tur- 
bot," in Flee' Street — a very old-established inn, 
Clemen' — Doc'or Johnson and all that sor' o' thing. 
I'm none the worse for it, Clemen'. 

Clement. 
Are you any the better ? 

Dick. 
I'm about the same, Clemen'. 

Clement. 
Let me introduce my friend, Doctor Delaney. 

Dick. 

Wha' nonsense — Doc'or Johnson. 

Clement. 
Doctor Delaney. 

Dick. 
[To Delaney.] I beg your par'on — I didn't 
perceive you when I firs' came in. 

\_He walks rather unsteadily to Delaney, 
shakes hands with him, then sits on the 
sofa. 

Dr. Delaney. 
Delighted to make your acquaintance, Mr. 
Phenyl. 

Dick. 
Than'g you. Were you here when you heard 
that noise in nex' room ? 



1 8 SWEET LA VENDER 

Dr. Delaney. 
I heard a noise. 

Dick. 

The pattern on my berrom carpet — dam' 'noy- 
ing. I had that carpet turned las' week, borrom 
upwards — still dam' 'noyiug pattern. Different 
pattern, but pattern. Trip up anybody. 

Dr. Delaney. 
[To Clement.] I happen to have a little some- 
thing in my pocket that'll pull him together. 

Clement. 
Give it him, for heaven's sake. 

Dr. Delaney. 

I want a tumbler. 

Dick. 
Tum'ler ! Tum'ler ! 

[Dick goes rairidly to the sideboard and 
fetches a tumbler and a decanter of spirits. 

Clement. 
[Quietly. .] Look out. 

[Delaney takes the tumbler and decanter 
from Dick, and hands the decanter to 
Clement, who replaces it on the side- 
board. Retaining the tumbler, Delaney 
measures into it some drops from a phial 
he has taken from his pocket. 

Dick. 
\_Mystifted.~] Perfec' conjuring trick. 



SWEET LAVENDER 19 

Clement. 
[Offering a carafe of water. .] Water ? 

Dick. 
[Quickly.] Ver' little! 

[Delaney pours some water into the tum- 
bler, then gives it to Dick. 

Dr. Delaney. 

Swallow that, now. 

Dick. 
Not spirits, I hope — at this hour o' the mor'ing ? 

Dr. Delaney. 

No, no. 

Dick. 

[Annoyed.'] Why not? 

Dr. Delaney. 

That's a blessed antidote to the voilest poison 
the devil ever put bis red seal on — I allude to 
Scotch whiskey, not Irish. 

Dick. 

Wha' nonsense — blessed anecdote. 

Dr. Delaney. 

Come, come, drink my health, sor. 

Dick. 

[Thickly.] "The Queen!" 

[Dick drinks the contents of the tumbler, 
then coughs and splutters. 



20 SWEET LA VENDER 

Dr. Delaney. 

How's that, now ? 

Dick. 
Wants keeping another year at least. Oh ! 

[Dick writhes a little as if in pain, then 
sits on the sofa and buries his head in 
his hands. 

Dr. Delaney. 
He's all right. I'm off. 

Ruth enters ivith a tray. 

Clement. 
You won't breakfast with us, Dr. Delaney ? 

Dr. Delaney. 

God bless ye for asking me, but I'm very busy 
over this new hobby of mine. You've heard of it ? 
" The Home of Forgetfulness ! " 

Clement. 
" The Home of Forgetfulness ! " What's that ? 

Dr. Delaney. 

It's a new home I've endowed for a hundred soft- 
hearted women who are willing to put themselves 
at my beck-and-call to nurse the sick and the ailin', 
rich and poor. I shall be the commander-in-chief 
with a trained army at my own barracks. 

Clement. 
And you do all this alone ? 



SWEET LAVENDER 21 

Dr. Delaney. 

Ah, why not ? Some of us so-called fashionable 
physicians have made so much money out of those 
who haven't anything the matter with 'em that it's 
hard if we can't do a little for the benefit of those 
who have. 

Clement. 



But why " The Home of Forgetfulness 



? 



Dr. Delaney. 

Because it's only by a bed of sickness that many 
a woman can forget the trouble and pain and dis- 
appointment this wurrld has brought her. [Taking 
Clement's hand.~\ God bless ye, mee boy. 

Clement. 

God bless you, Doctor Delaney ! I wish more of 
us were like you. 

Dr. Delaney. 

Go along, now. Good-bye. [Looking at Clement, 
then at Dick.] Ah, it's no business of mine. 

[He bustles out, brushing past Ruth. 

Ruth. 

[Under her breath to Delaney as he passes her.~\ 
Doctor ! 

[He passes through the passage. She following 
him. 

Clement. 
[Calling after Delaney.] Good-bye! 



22 SWEET LAVENDER 

Dr. Delaney. 

[In the distance.'] Good-bye. 

[Dick having roused himself with a shake and 
a shiver, looks up, blinking his eyes, his 
drunkenness gone. 

Dick. 

Clem [going to the table and -lifting up the dish- 
cover'] — Sweetbread — we haven't had 
breakfast. [Calling.] Clem! 

[Clement closes the passage door, and drain- 
ing the curtain over the opening, comes to 
the table. 

Clement. 
Hallo ! 

Dick. 

[Severely.] You're always late f or ' breakfast, 
Clement. 

Clement. 

[Putting his hand on Dick's shoulder and survey- 
ing him.] Delaney understands your case, evidently. 

Dick. 
Delaney ? 

Clement. 

That was Cormack Delaney, the dear old doctor 
of Wigmore Street. 

Dick. 

Oh ! I wish you had introduced me. Shall we 
toss for the armchair as usual ? 



SWEET LAVENDER 23 

Clement. 

Certainly. 

[Clement tosses a coin and catches it on the 
hack of his hand, covering it. 

Clement. 

Call! 

[Dick throws his coin in the air — it falls 
many yards away from him, but he covers 
the back of his hand as if he had caught 
the coin. Clement laughs. 

Dick. 

[Uncovering his hand disappointed.] Oh, never 
mind — woman ! 

Clement. 
Yours. 

[Dick sits in the armchair. Clement helps 
Dick to sweetbread, then pours out tea. 

Clement. 
No appetite, I suppose ? 

Dick. 
\_As if with a disagreeable taste in his mouth.'] 
Hem ! I fancy my liver isn't as it should be. 

Clement. 
Ah ! Dick, Dick, you've broken your word to me 
again. 

Dick. 
[Cheerfully.] The last time, Clement, my boy 
— the last time. 



24 SWEET LA VENDER 

Clement. 

It's always the last time, Dick. 

Dick. 
[Malting a clatter with his knife and foi'k, irri- 
tably.'] Don't talk childishly. Last night was the 
last time ; it will be the last time. You're inva- 
riably finding fault, Clement — it's discouraging. 
Blame, blame, blame; but praise — oh dear, no! 

Clement. 
Praise for what ? 

Dick. 

[Bitterly. ,] It is hardly for a man of my age to 
indicate to a boy the particular qualities. [Appeal- 
ingly.~\ Clem, Clem, I'm sorry — there. I apolo- 
gise. Never again. [H old big out his hand.] Friends, 
Clement, my boy ? Word of honour, my boy. 

Clement. 
[Gripping his hand.] Word of honour, Dick. 

Dick. 
[ Vigorously.] Done. But do try to commend a lit- 
tle more, Clement — to praise, to encourage. Much 
may be done by kindness. [Cheerfully.] Sweet- 
bread ? 

Clement. 
[Absently. ] No, thanks, Dick. 

Dick. 
Off your feed ? Spoonful of whiskey in your 
tea — tone to the stomach. 



SWEET LAVENDER 25 

Clement. 
Dick, Delaney says that little Lavender Rolt 
ought to discontinue her studies. 

Dick. 

Oh! 

Clement. 

[Leaving the table.'] Confound it! When she is 
making such progress. 

[Clement sits with his elbows on the writ- 
ing-table and his head resting on his hand. 

Dick. 

Hallo, Clement, my boy ! [Going over to Clem- 
ent sympathetically.] This won't do. 

Clement. 

What won't do ? 

Dick. 

Clem, no man is quite so sober as the individual 
who is occasionally otherwise. All his acuteness is 
concentrated upon his brief lucid intervals, and in 
those intervals his acuteness is — devilish. [Lay- 
ing his hand on Clement's shoulder.'] Clement! 

Clement. 

Dick! 

Dick. 

When you took compassion, upon a worthless, 
broken-down reprobate — I allude to the gentleman 
now honoured with the attention of the House — 
you did a tine thing ; but don't spoil it, Clement, 
my boy ! 



26 SWEET LAVENDER 

Clement. 
What do you mean ? What is there to spoil ? 

Dick. 
Your career. D'ye think I haven't seen this 
coming on — your giving little Lavender hints in 
grammar and composition, and buying her Boyle's 
Arithmetic, and explaining the difference between 
a Cape and an Isthmus in the dusk by that win- 
dow ? No, no, Clement, my boy, it wouldn't an- 
swer — for the sake of her peace of mind and your 
future, pull up before the mischief's done ! 

Clement. 
[Taking Dick's hand.'] You're too late, Dick. 
I love her. 

Dick. 
[Spluttering with anger, and shaking his fist at 
Clement.] Out of my chambers ! This is gratitude. 
This is how you profit by the counsel and companion- 
ship of a man double your age ! I've done with you. 

Clement. 
Very well, Dick. 

Dick. 

[Rushing at him.'] Clement, my boy, I'm a little 
angry now — [tearfully] — but I shall work round, 
Clem. You haven't breathed a word to the poor 
child, have you ? 

Clement. 

Not a word, Dick. 



SWEET LA VENDER 27 

Dick. 
Thank you, Clem. Lavvy must be sent into the 
country for the benefit of her health, and then — 
there'll be an end of it. 

Clement. 
Dick ! Why. should there be an end of it ? 

Dick. 

Don't talk to me, sir, like that ! Haven't you been 
adopted by a Mr. What's-his-name, a banker, sir ? 

Clement. 

Well? 

Dick. 

If a banker should adopt me, you'd see something 
like behaviour, sir. Why, if you offend your father, 
as you call him, you'll be a pauper ; you*ll be like 
Richard Phenyl, Esq., of the Inner Temple ! 

Clement. 
Why should I offend Mr. Wedderburn by loving 
a girl who is simple and honest and generous and 
courtly ; whose only vice is that she is not dressed 
by a Bond Street milliner ? 

Dick. 
Don't come to me when you're starving, that's all. 

Clement. 
Nonsense, Dick. At the worst I shall have my 
profession. 



28 SWEET LAVENDER 

Dick. 

Profession ! What good is my profession to me ? 
[Snatching a dirty pipe from the mantelpiece sav- 
agely.'] Besides, ain't yon engaged to a beautiful — 
a Miss Thing-a-my — Mr. Wedderburn's niece ? 

Clement. 

Mrs. Gilfillian's daughter and I were thrown 
together as children, and I believe there was some 
idea — 

Dick. 

Ha ! You believe ! 

Clement. 
But I'm sure that Minnie Gilfillian troubles her 
pretty head very little about me. 

Dick. 

Hadn't you better wait till Miss Gilfillian and 
Mrs. Gilfillian and Mr. Wedderburn bring their 
three pretty heads back to England ? 

Clement. 
Wait ! I can't stop the beating of my heart, Dick 
— and it beats Lavender, Lavender, Lavender, every 
moment of the day. [He buries his head in his hands. 

Dick. 

One last word, Clement, my boy. [Slowly and care- 
fully filling h is pipe] The story of Cinderella hasn't 
been properly told yet. There was no pumpkin and 
no fairy. The carriage came from Windover's and 
the pair of bays from Tattersall's, at the young 



SWEET LA VENDER 29 

gentleman's order. The girl was pretty and good, 
and he loved her, Clement, but the time arrived 
when the slippers wore down at the heel and had 
to be replaced by a size larger. And, by and bye 

— it's a sad story — he noticed that her little sharp 
elbows didn't get whiter, poor thing ! and that she 
mixed up the first and third person in accepting 
Lady Montmorency's kind invitation to dine. And 
one day a carriage and pair were for sale, Clement 

— as good as new — the property of a gentleman 
leaving England, who was no longer answerable for 
the debts contracted by Cinderella, his wife. 

Clement. 
The hero of your story was a cad, Dick ! 

Dick. 

The hero of any story generally is. There — take 
my sermon or leave it. But it's because I love 
you, and because this poor woman, Ruth Rolt, has 
been for fifteen years a good friend to a shaggy 
worthless cur, that I won't let you and her child 
make each other wretched without raising my bark 
against it. Amen, Clement, my boy — Amen! 

\_He drops into the armchair facing the fire 
and lights his pipe. There is a low 
knock from the other side of the cur- 
tained opening. 

Clement. 

There's that man of mine, Jenks — he gets later 
and later every morning. 



30 SWEET LAVENDER 

Dick. 
[Growling."] Learn to dress yourself. I dress 
myself. [The knock is repeated. 

Clement. 
[Angrily.] Come in ! 

Lavender, a slight pretty girl, about seventeen, 
shabbily dressed, draivs the curtain and enters 
the room. Her voice is sweet and gentle, and her 
movements graceful and refined. She carries 
some school-books, an "exercise" book, and a 
small tray. 

Lavender. 

[Standing unnoticed — timidly.] May I clear 
the table, please ? 

Dick. 

[Turning in his chair.] Hallo ! 

Clement. 

[Jumping up.] Good gracious ! We thought 
you were Jenks. 

Lavender. 
[Taking a little crumpled note from her pocket.] 
Jenks has just left this note downstairs, Mr. Hale. 

Clement. 
[Reading.] {i Henry Jenks presents his respect- 
ful compliments, but I am not coming any more 
has I — " H'm. Hand that to Mr. Phenyl, Lav- 
ender. 

[Lavender gives the note to Dick. 



SWEET LA VENDER 31 

Dick. 

[Reading.'] "I am not coming any more has I 
can't stand the carryings on of that awful Mr. 
Phenyl." {Indignantly.] Well — I — 

[He screws up the note vindictively end throws 
it into the fire ; then turning, lie sees Lav- 
ender and Clement close together. 

Lavender. 

[Giving the books to Clement, reluctantly.] You 
won't look at my exercise till I've cleared the 
breakfast table and gone right out of sight, will 
you ? 

Clement. 

Why ? 

Lavender. 

It's so blotty. 

Dick. 

[Fidgeting.] H'm ! Clement, my boy ! [Admon- 
ishing Clement by waving his pipe.] 

[Lavender goes to the breakfast table and 
begins removing the tilings. 

Clement. 

[Angrily.] Don't interfere, Dick. 

Dick. 

Thank you, Mr. Hale. [Stalking away indig- 
nantly. 

Clement. 



[To himself.] Confound Dick's cynicism 



. How 



32 SWEET LAVENDER 

sweet she is. [To Lavender.] May I help in 
some way ? [He takes up the teapot. 

Lavender. 

No, thank yon. [Taking the teapot from Clem- 
ent and looking at his empty plate.~] Poor Mr. 
Phenyl hasn't eaten any breakfast. 

Clement. 
Ah, poor Mr. Phenyl. 

[She carries some of the breakfast things 
oat into the passage and puts them on 
the butlers tray. Clement hesitates a 
moment, then snatches up an egg-cup 
and goes after her. 

Dick. 

[Looking round.'] Where, where? [Going to 
the curtained opening.'] Ah, Clement, my boy. 

[Clement returns to the room, glaring at 
Dick, and stands sulkily before the fire. 
Lavender goes on clearing the table. 
Dick throws himself on the sofa, opens 
the newspaper, and eyes Clement and 
Lavender from behind it. 

Clement. 

Do yon know that your books are to be closed, 
Lavender ? 

Lavender. 

[Starting.] My books ! 



SWEET LAVENDER 33 

Clement. 

Pounds, shillings, and pence are to be withdrawn 
from your mental banking account; the intricate 
verb will torture you no longer ; and the mountains 
of this world will have to settle their relative height 
amongst themselves. 

Lavender. 

[Falteringly J] I was afraid I was becoming, too 
troublesome to you, Mr. Hale. 

Clement. 

My dear child, it's not my doing, but Doctor 
Delaney's. 

Lavender. 

Oh, how cruel ! He doesn't know how ignorant 
and stupid I am ! 

[She returns to the passage in tears. 

Clement. 
[Savagely to Dick.] There ! 

Dick. 

Think of your health, Lavvy. Health should be 
the first consideration with us all. 

[Lavender returns, wiping her eyes, to brush 
aivay the crumbs. 

Clement. 

But I've a capital notion. If you may not read, 
there's nothing to prevent your being read to, 



# 



34 SWEET LAVENDER 

Dick. 

Eh? 

Clement. 

And so, Lavender, every evening for a couple of 
hours I'll grind out some sound instructive work 
and you shall sit and listen to me. 

Lavender. 

[Gratefully.'] Oh, Mr. Hale ! how good you are ! 

Clement. 

I'll lay in a stock of books this morning. "We'll 
begin on " Frederick the Great," by Carlyle. 

Dick. 

Twenty-one volumes ! 

[Lavender having cleared the table, now 
removes the white cloth and begins to 
fold it. 

Clement. 
[Advancing.'] Allow me ? 

Lavender. 
Thank you, Mr. Hale. 

[Clement takes an end of the tablecloth 
opposite Lavender. Dick savagely 
screws the paper into a ball and flings 
it away. There is a sharp rat-tat-tat 
at the outer door. 

Dick. 
[Taking Lavender's end of the tablecloth from 
her.] Go to the door ; Lavvy, 



SWEET LAVENDER 35 

[Clement folds the cloth angrily with 
Dick. Lavender opens the door and 
admits Horace Bream, a good-looking, 
well-dressed j air-haired' young American. 

Horace. 

[At the door.] Thank you — Mr. Hale ? Thank 
you. [Advancing and looking from Clement to 
Dick.] You'll excuse me, I hope, but being rather 
in a hurry — [to Dick] — Hale ? 

Dick. 

Dropping his end of the tablecloth.'] No — Phenyl ! 

Horace. 
[To Clement.] Mr. Hale. I am perfectly delighted 
to make your acquaintance. Permit me to carry 
this through with you. 

[Placing his hat and stick on the floor, he 
picks up the end of the tablecloth and 
folds it with Clement, who glares at 
him in annoyance. Dick sits on the 
sofa, chuckling. Lavender is seen 
from time to time in the passage taking 
away the breakfast things. 

Clement. 

Beally, I haven't the pleasure of — 

Horace. 
Horace Pinkley Bream. 

Clement. 

Well, but — 



36 SWEET LAVENDER 

Horace. 
I have the honour to be a great personal friend 
of your aunt, Mrs. Gilfillian, and her daughter 
Minnie. [ Warmly.'] Sir, most charming ladies. 

Clement. 
Oh, pray sit down. 

Horace. 

[Sitting.] I'm in a very great hurry. 

Clement. 
Have you any message from — ? 

Horace. 
[Unconcernedly.] No, sir, I have not. 

Clement. 
[Commanding himself.] Then would you mind 
telling me" — ? 

Horace. 
[Looking at his watch.] Certainly. The fact is, 
your party picked me up in Paris two months ago. 

Clement. 
What party ? 

Horace. 
Mr. Wedderburn, his sister, Mrs. Gilfillian, and 
her daughter. Sir, charming ladies ! From Paris 
we travelled to Marseilles ; from Marseilles to 
Cannes ; Cannes to Nice. They just stuck to me 
right through. [Looking round.] Sir, I ?m delighted 
with your apartments, 



SWEET LAVENDER 37 

Clement. 
[To himself.'] y An intrusive table d'hote acquaint- 
ance. \\_To Horace.] You left my friends at Nice, 
I presume ? 

Horace. 

No, sir ; we are home. 



Clement. 



Home ! 



Horace. 
I brought Mrs. Gilfillian and her daughter right 
through to London yesterday. Charming ladies. 

Dick. 

[To himself] Hallo ! 

Clement. 
[Under his breath.] Confound it ! 

Horace. 
We left Wedderburn in Paris, buying things. 
An exceedingly pleasant gentleman. 

Clement. 

[Distractedly.] And where are Mrs. Gilfillian 
and her daughter now ? 

Horace. 

That's my difficulty — where ? I lost 'em at Char- 
ing Cross station last night. Having heard them 
frequently talk about you, I dug up your old apart- 
ments in Pear Tree Court, where I found your notice 
of removal, You have not seen Mrs. Gilfillian yet ? 



38 SWEET LA VENDER 

Clement. 



No, sir. 



Horace. 



Thank you ; good morning. [Presenting a card 
to Clement.] You have not been on our side, 
probably ? 

Clement. 
No. 

Horace. 

Sir, you'll just love N'York. [Shaking hands 
with Clement warmly."] I regret that I am rather 
in a hurry. [Handing a card, to Dick, and shaking 
hands.] Sir, good morning. You'll hear from me the 
very moment I've discovered these charming ladies. 

Clement. 

But pardon my putting it so plainly, perhaps 
they don't want you to discover them. 

Horace. 

[Looking at his watch.] Sorry I can't discuss that 
question just now. I'm rather in a hurry. 

[He goes out quickly. 

Dick. 

Clement, my boy ! Mrs. Gilfillian and her daugh- 
ter are in London ! The hand of Fate ! 

Clement. 

[With determination.] I shall be happy to see 
them, Dick, and to shake the hand of Fate. If I'm 
not in when they call, say I'll be back in half-an-houi\ 



SWEET LAVENDER 39 

Dick. 

I don't like your look, Clem. What are you 
going to do ? 

Clement. 

Do, Dick ! I am going out to buy " Frederick 
the Great," by Carlyle. 

[He goes into his bedroom. Lavender 
apjjears in the passage. 

Dick. 

[Calling after Clement.] Leave my chambers to- 
day ! I've done with you ! [To himself.'] If Ruth 
could only afford to send little Lavvy away for the 
benefit of her health, what a solution it would be. 
I think I could contrive it if I had a few pounds to 
spare. But if I had a few pounds to spare, I couldn't 
spare 'em. Lavender ! [Lavender takes the folded 
tablecloth from the table and puts it away in the side- 
board.] [Thinking.] Cripps has a fellow reading 
with him who wants to buy a little library. [Looking 
towards the bookshelves.] There's my little library ; 
the last remainder of the time when, if Cripps's pupil 
is good for fifteen pounds, I'll lend 'em to Ruth Rolt, 
and Lavvy shall leave town. [Eyeing Lavender.] 
Brighton into fifteen quid won't go. Broadstairs 
into fifteen quid, four weeks and one day over. 
[Shaking his fist at the books.] Come on ! [Taking 
down the books, savagely.] I'll teach you to remind 
me of the time when I was a promising lad like 
Cripps's pupil ! 

Lavender. 

[Watching him in surprise.] May I help you, 
Mr. Phenyl? 



40 SWEET LAVENDER 

[Dick drops a book and looks guiltily at 
Lavender. 

Dick. 

For sale, Lavvy — library of Richard Phenyl, 
Esquire, of the Inner Temple, Barrister-at-law — 
fifty volumes. 

Lavender. 

[Sympathetically. ,] Oh ! [Laying her hand on his 
arm.] Must you ? 

Dick. 

[Hesitatingly."] Well — I — [Looking at Lav- 
ender, then towards Clement's door — stroking her 
hair.'] I think I'd better, Lavvy. 

Lavender. 
Poor Mr. Phenyl ! Shall I hand you the books ? 

Dick. 

[To himself.] She makes me feel guilty." [Ten- 
derly.] Lavvy, if your mother could afford it, 
would you like three or four weeks in the country ? 

Lavender. 
Oh, no ! 

Dick. 
[Sharply.] No ? 

[She hands him volume after volume, from 
the bookcase; after looking at the title- 
pages he throws them on to the floor. 

Lavender. 
The temple is the country — we have trees and 
grass, and birds and flowers, 



SWEET LA VENDER 41 

Dick. 

Seaside, then ? 

Lavender. 
No, we have a river with boats on it. 

Dick. 

Pooh, Lavvy ! Think of fresh air, fresh eggs, 
fresh milk from the cow. We are all apt to under- 
rate the importance of milk from the cow. 

Lavender. 

No. I'm happy here — so happy ! 

Dick. 

[To himself.] Thinking of h im ! — Thinking of 
him ! 

Lavender. 

Why do you look at the title-pages ? 

Dick. 

I'm sorting my property from the other young 
gentleman's, Mr. Hale's. 

Lavender. 
{Eagerly.] Oh, let me do it ! I'll look for Mr. 
Hale's name ! I'll take care you don't sell any of 
his. May I ? 

Dick. 

Very well, Lavvy. 

\_She takes a quantity of books from the 
shelves, places them on the ground and 
kneels amongst them. 



42 SWEET LAVENDER 

Dick. 

[To himself.'] It's like setting her to sign her 
own death-warrant. Cripps is in court to-day in 
the Baxter case; I'll run over and see him. [He 
goes quid:/// to the outer door, opens it. then returns. 
leaving the door slightly open.] Going out without 
dressing ! I'm upset — feel I'm doing a mean thing. 
[Looking towards Lavender — tearfully.'] Poor 
Clem — poor Lavvy ! 

[He goes into his bedroom. Lavender 
examines the boohs and makes a 'neat 
pile of them as she /nuns a song happily. 
Clement, fashionably dressed for walk- 
ing, enters, unheard by Lavender, and 
watches her. 

Clement. 
\_To himself] XShe makes a room seem like a 
garden. p/ v 

Lavender. 
[Taking icp a book.] "Smith's Leading Cases." 
[Opening it.] Looks rather dry — no conversation. 

[She puts it aside. 

Clement. 

[To himself] v Why should I hold my tongue ?./ 

[He silently drains the curtain over the open- 
ing, without noticing that the door leading 
on to the outer passage is open. 

Lavender. 
[Taking up another book.] "Benjainin on Sales." 
Biblical. Richard Phenyl. 



SWEET LA VENDER 43 

[Clement goes to Dick's door, listens, and 
then quietly turns the key. 

Lavender. 

[With another book.'] "Williams on the Law of' 
Eeal Property." Clement Hale. Ah ! [She opens 
the middle of the book.] "Incorporeal Heredita- 
ments." What a beautiful book ! 

[She settles herself a little nearer the windoiv 
and reads earnestly. Clement comes 
and sits upon the pile of books beside her. 

Clement. 

[Softly.] Lavender. 

[ With a low cry of fright she turns slowly and 
Ipoks at him. 

Lavender. 

What are you doing there, Mr. Hale ? 

Clement. 
I've come to. sit with you in the garden. 

Lavender. 

The garden ! 

[Staring at him, she tries to rise ; he stretches 
out his hand and takes hers. 

Lavender. 
[Under her breath.] Mr. Hale ! 



44 SWEET LAVENDER 

Clement. 

[Dr 'awing her down near him, and looking into her 
face earnestly.'] I love you Lavender, with all my 
heart. Will you be my wife ? 

[She shrinks away, still staring at him. 

Clement. 
Speak to me. You don't mean no ! 

Lavender. 

[Faintly. ~\ I don't know what I mean. 

Clement. 

[Tenderly.] Think about it. Think about it — 
here. 

[He gently draws her to him and clasps her 
in his arms. 

Lavender. 

[Half crying. ,] You — you oughtn't to love me! 

Clement. 
Why? 

Lavender. 

You know, I'm not — a lady. 

Clement. 
My dear Princess. 

Lavender. 
I work. Ah, how red my hands are ! 



SWEET LA VENDER 4$ 

Clement. 
Because your blushes run down into them. When 
you're accustomed to being my wife, they'll grow 
quite white. 

Lavender. 

But look at me — my frocks can't keep secrets 
if I can ; I'm very poor. 

Clement. 
I'll be poor with you, if it comes to that. 

Lavender. 

[Looking up into his face. ~] Are you poor ? 

Clement. 
I've nothing — of my own — but my profession. 
\_Thoughtfully.~] I may become very poor. 

Lavender. 

[Rising quickly. ~] Oh ! 

Clement. 
[Retreating a little.] Do you like me less for that ? 

Lavender. 

[ Going towards him.'] Less ! [Checking herself.] 
I — I haven't said I like you at all, but if I ever 
did like you, it would be because I know how to 
be poor, and could teach you the way to bear it. 

Clement. 
[Drawing her to him.] My sweet, sweet Lavender .' 



46 SWEET LA VENDER 

Lavender. 

\In a whisper.'] Clement. You know how pale 
I've been looking lately. 

Clement. 

Yes ! that's why I asked Delaney to call. 

Lavender. 

Foolish boy ! I shall have red cheeks to-morrow. 
I — I've been thinking so much about you, Clement. 

Clement. 
[Laughing. .] Lavender ! 

Lavender. 
Ah, don't laugh at me ! 

[She sits upon the sofa, hiding her face. He 
goes to her and kneels by her side. 

Clement. 
Why were you sitting amongst those books ? 

Lavender. 

Mr. Phenyl is obliged to sell them. 

Clement. 

He sha'n't do anything of the kind. We'll stick 
to old Dick, won't we ? 

Lavender. 

Always. And we won't let mother work any 
more, will we ? 



SWEET LA VENDER 47 

Clement. 
Never. 

Lavender. 
[Happily.] Ah ! 

Clement. 
Tell me again you love me. 

Lavender. 
I never will. You make me say things and then 
you laugh at me. [Bending her head to his.] I 
love you. 

The curtain over the doorway is pushed aside, and 
Mrs. Gilfillian enters followed by Minnje. 
Mrs, Gilfillian is a sedate aristocratic-looking 
woman about fifty, with a lofty forehead and 
side curls. Minnie is a handsome, lively young 
woman. Both are fashionably dressed. On dis- 
covering Clement at Lavender's feet Mrs. 
Gilfillian clutches Minnie by the arm, and 
takes her out ; Clement and Lavender with 
their heads close together being unconscious of 
interruption. There is then a loud rat-tat-tat 
at the outer door. Clement and Lavender 
rise quickly, she dropping among the books, 
while he goes and draws the curtain and discov- 
ers Mrs. Gilfillian and Minnie. 

Clement. 

My dear aunt. 

Mrs. Gilfillian enters the room followed by Minnie. 

Mrs. Gilfillian. 
[Much disturbed, giving Clement tivo fingers.'] 



4 8 SWEET LAVENDER 

We found your door open, Clement, but I preferred 
knocking. 

Clement. 

[Unhappily.] Delighted, aunt. 

[Mrs. Gilfilliax walks straight across to 
Lavender, looking doiun upon her 
through her p)ince-nez. 

Clement. 
[To Minnie.] Minnie. 

Minnie. 

[Demurely.] Well, Clem. 

Clement. 

[Hesitatingly.] This is a jolly surprise. 

Minnie. 
[Looking at Lavender.] 'M — yes. 

[Lavender having pushed the books out of 
the wag. goes out of the room. Mrs. Gil- 
filliax looking after her. Minnie takes 
up one of the books, looking at it inquisi- 
tive!//. 

Clement. 

Those are the books we slave at, Minnie. 

Minnie. 

[Glancing at him shyly.] Don't you overdo it, 
Clem. 



■ LA VENDER 49 

GlLFILLIAN. 

aftei lavender.] That's a wicked 
young woman ! 

[She shuts the door, and joins Clement, 
as Minnie looks round the room. 

Mrs. Gilfillian. 

We left Nice on Tuesday, Clement. Minnie and 
I came straight through, but Mr. Wedderbnrn pre- 
fers to dawdle for a week in Paris. {Handing 
Clement a packet of cabinet phot ograjihs.'] He sends 
you those portraits, done by Grotz of Monte Carlo. 
[Nervously. ~\ Minnie, don't pry. 

Clement. 

[Looking at the photographs.] Dear old guv'nor! 
[Reading the superscription on one of the portraits. ~\ 
"For my boy — from Geoffrey Wedderburn." [To 
Mrs. Gilfillian.] The fact is, aunt, I've already 
heard of your return from a gentleman who was 
good enough to call on me. 

Mrs. Gilfillian. 
Not Mr. Bream ! 

Clement. 
Horace Pin'kley Bream ! 

Mrs. Gilfillian. 
[Sinking into armchair.] Oh ! 

Minnie. 

[Sitting on sofa.] Oh, ma ! 



50 SWEET LAVENDER 

Mrs. Gilfillian. 
We shall never shake him off. He saved Minnie's 
life in Paris by pulling her from under a tramcar 
in the Avenue Mirabeau. 

Clement. 

Good gracious ! 

Mrs. Gilfillian. 

So careless of her to get there ! I closed my 
eyes and in imagination heard the cracking of her 
bones. This person rushed forward and restored 
her to the side-walk, as he will persist in calling the 
pavement. 

Clement. 

I should like to thank him. 

Mrs. Gilfillian. 

Don't ! He'll never leave you if you do. I 
thanked him — although he's not at all the young 
man I would have selected to rescue a child of mine. 

Clement. 
\_TJ71easihj.~] In London for long, aunt ? 

Mrs. Gilfillian. 
The season. We have rooms at the Metropole, 
but we shall eat at these new coffee establishments 
in Regent Street. Oh, will you oblige me by tak- 
ing a shilling cab to the hotel, and asking my maid, 
Bodly, for my vinaigrette ? 

Clement. 

Certainly. 

\_He lays the photographs on the table and 
takes up his hat and umbrella. 



SWEET LAVENDER 51 

Mrs. Gilfillian. 
You lunch here ? 

Clement. 
It's sent in at one o'clock. 

Mrs. Gilfillian. 
We could remain, if — 

Clement. 
[Blankly. ,] Delighted. 

Mrs. Gilfillian. 
[ To herself.'] He must never be left again. 

Clement. 
[Banging his hat on his head.] Confound ! 

[He goes out. Mrs. Gilfillian looks to 
see that the door is closed, then rises, and 
crosses to Minnie. 

Mrs. Gilfillian. 
[ With a gasp.] Minnie, my poor child ! You 
saw that young woman ? 

Minnie. 
I'm afraid I did, mamma. 

Mrs. Gilfillian. 
What were they doing ? I have never felt my 
near sight so keenly. 

Minnie. 

Clement was kneeling, mamma — in an ordinary 
way. And I think he was holding her hand. 



52 SWEET LAVENDER 

Mrs. Gilfillian. 

Ah, I saw that ! 

Minnie. 
And she was looking down — in an ordinary way. 

Mrs. Gilfillian. 
[Pacing to and fro. ~] In the very room in which 
we are asked to take luncheon. 

Minnie. 

Don't be cross, ma, dear. She is very pretty and 
innocent-looking. 

Mrs. Gilfillian. 

Innocent-looking ! Do yon think I will have my 
plans — my plans and my brother's — frustrated 
by a girl with ulterior motives and eyes like 
saucers ? 

Minnie. 

Look here, ma, darling. Clement is grown up 
new and may do just as he pleases. I am quite 
fond of Clem, always was, and if he asked me to be 
his wife — well, I should want to know all about 
that young woman. But I don't care a pin for 
Uncle Geoffrey's plans, and if Clem doesn't take to 
me — as I'm sure he ought to — why, bless him, 
I'll be his wife's bridesmaid and her friend into the 
bargain. 

Mrs. Gilfillian. 

[Indignantly. ~] Minnie ! [Suddenly.'] Hush ! 

[The handle of the door of Dick's room is 
rattled from the inside. 



SWEET LA VENDER 53 

Mrs. Gilfillian. 

[With horror.'] Minnie! There's somebody else 
in that room ! 

Minnie. 

{Retreating.'] Oh, ma ! 

Mrs. Gilfillian. 

And this is the Law ! 

Dick. 
{From within.] Clement ! Clement ! 

Mrs. Gilfillian. 
[Listening.] It's a man's voice — or a deep con- 
tralto. 

Dick. 

[Still within.] Locked in, Clement, my boy. 

[Mrs. Gilfillian turns the key in the door, 
and retreats. Dick enters in the old and 
worn wig and gown of a barrister. 

Dick. 
Thank you. [Enquiringly.] To see Mr. Hale ? 

Mrs. Gilfillian. 
Oh, I have seen Mr. Hale. May I ask — ? 

Dick. 

Richard Phenyl. Hale and I live together. 

Mrs. Gilfillian. 
[Eagerly.] Dear me ! I wish to speak to you 



54 SWEET LAVENDER 

immediately. Mrs. Gilfillian. {Introducing Min- 
nie.] My daughter. 

[Minnie laughs behind her handkerchief 
at Dick's appearance. 

Dick. 
[Politely.] Heard of you. 

Mrs. 'Gilfillian. 

[Quietly to Minnie.] Go away. Go away ! Per- 
haps this gentleman will allow you to try the piano. 
Minnie, with a toss of the head goes to the piano.'] 
To Dick.] Mr. Funnel, I have just received a 
great shock. [Minnie plays a sentimental air. 

Mrs. Gilfillian. 

Who is the young woman who frequents these 
rooms ? 

Dick. 
Young woman ? 

Mrs. Gilfillian. 

We came in suddenly. A girl was seated on that 
sofa. Ugh ! Clement was on his knees before her, 
Mr. Funnel. 

Dick. 

[To himself] He's done it ! He's done it ! 

Mrs. Gilfillian. 

Minnie got me away somehow, unheard by either 



SWEET LAVENDER 55 

of them ! But my poor child. Mr. Funnel — [tear- 
fully] — the blow has fallen there. 

[Minnte strikes in suddenly with a very lively 
air. 

Mrs. Gilfillian. 
Minnie ! 

[Minnie stops playing, and, Mrs. Gilfillian 
goes to her remonstrating. 

Dick. 

[To himself] We're in for it. We've made our 
choice. We-prefer linsey and a linen collar to satin 
and Valenciennes. Very well ! Now it's come to 
it, I'll stick to you, Clement, my boy ! [Arranging 
his wig and gown, and striking a forensic attitude] 
For the defendant ! 

Mrs. Gilfillian. 

[Returning to Dick.] What you tell me is in 
perfect confidence. 

Dick. 

Not at all necessary, m'm — we court inquiry. 
The young lady is the daughter of Mrs. Rolt, who 
resides, to put it plainly, in the basement. 

Mrs. Gilfillian. 
A low woman ? 

Dick. 

[Pointing downwards.] Geographically — not 
otherwise. [Minnie resumes playing softly. 



56 SWEET LA VENDER 

Mrs. Gilfillian. 

Nonsense, sir. These people attend upon you. 
Tins girl's mother is what you call a common ser- 
vant. 

Dick. 

No 7 ma'am — she is what I call a lady. 

Mrs. Gilfillian. 
A lady ? 

Dick. 

Madam, Mrs. Rolt has been a kind, faithful friend 
to me for fifteen years. If I have the privilege of 
knowing you for that length of time "nothing will 
induce me to speak ill of you. 

Ruth enters, and stands in the opening to passage. 

Mrs. Gilfillian. 
I'll see Mrs. Rolt at once. Kindly ring the bell. 

[Dick moves towards the bell-handle and sees 
Ruth. 

Dick. 

Here is Mrs. Rolt. 

Ruth. 
[Announcing.'] Mr. Bream, please. 
Horace e?iters quickly ; Dick speaks to Ruth. 

Horace. 
[With outstretched hands.] My dear Mrs. Gilfil- 
lian ! [Mixxie stops playing suddenhj. and rises. 



SWEET LAVENDER 57 

Minnie. 
Oh! 

Mrs. Gilfillian. 

[hi consternation.'] Mr. Bream ! 

Horace. 

[Excitedly. ,] Lost you at the Custom House 
counter last night — saw you in a hansom this morn- 
ing — never meant to rest till I'd found you. 

[Horace goes to Minnie. 

Mrs. Gilfillian. 

[Helplessly sinking into a chair.'] Oh, dear me ! 

Horace. 

[To Minnie, taking her hand.] My dear Miss 

Gilfillian ! 

Minnie. 
[Distractedly.] Ob, how do you do, Mr. Bream ? 

Ruth. 

[Quietly to Mrs. Gilfillian.] You wish to 
speak to me, ma'am ? 

Mrs. Gilfillian. 
[Rising.] Mrs. Rolt ! 

Ruth. 

Yes. 

Mrs. Gilfillian. 

I have discovered that there have been — some 
— love passages between Mr. Hale and your 
daughter. I — I -^ 



58 SWEET LA VENDER 

Ruth. 
Yes. My daughter has just told me that Mr. 
Hale has offered her marriage. 

Mrs. Gilfilliax. 
Marriage. [Checking herself. ~] Don't you under- 
stand that this is a terrible shock to Mr. Hale's 
friends ? 

Ruth. 

[Tearfully.'] I understand that it is a terrible 
shock to me to lose my child. 

[Ruth turns a way, and leans faintly on 
the back of a chair. 

Mrs. Gilfilliax. 

To lose your child. I see. [To herself] It's 
serious ; I'll telegraph at once to brother Geoffre}\ 

[Mrs. Gilfilliax seats herself at writ- 
ing table and begins writing rapidly. 
Ruth's eye foils upon the photographs 
lying on table ; she stares at them for a 
moment blankly. 

Ruth. 

[Commanding herself — going a step or two towards 
Dick.] Mr. Phenyl. [Pointing to the photograph.] 
Who — who is that ? 

Dick. 

Mr. Wedderburn, I think. 

Ruth. 

[With a start.] Wedderburn J 



SWEET LAVENDER 59 

Dick. 
Banker at Barnehester — Mr. Hale is his adopted 
son. 

RuTH. 

In — indeed. [After a pause she goes quickly to 
Mrs. Gilfillian, and whispers.} Madam ! Madam ! 
[Mu,s.GiLFiL.LrAN turns.} You — you Lave mis- 
understood me. I — I give you my word my 
daughter shall never marry Mr. Hale. 

Mrs. Gilfilltan. 
[Rising^ with the written telegram in her hand.} 
What! 

Ruth. 

[Glancing round.'} Hush! 

[Lavender enters the passage, and takes 
up the tray from the butler's stand. 
Clement follows and stands whispering 
to her. Minnie and Horace are in 
close conversation. 



END OF THE FIRST ACT. 



THE SECOND ACT 



The scene is the same as in the first act. A day has 
■passed and it is now evening. 

Dick, looking somewhat neater than before, is sitting 
in an armchair, smoking his pipe thoughtfully. 
Ruth enters quietly r , carrying a tray with tea- 
things, and a letter. 

Ruth. 

A cab has just brought this letter for Mr. Hale. 
I'll place it here. 

[She lays the letter on one of the teacups ; 
Dick rises and intercepts her as she is 
going out. 

Dick. 
How's Lavvy to-night — any better? 

Ruth. 

[Tremblingly.'] N — no — No better. 

(Element, in walking dress, and carrying a hand* 

some basket of flowers, enters hurriedly, 

6q 



SWEET LAVENDER 61 

Clement. 
Any good news, Dick ? 

Dick. 
[ With a grunt.'] No. 

[Dick walks to and fro moodily. 

Clement. 
How is she, Mrs. Eolt ? 

KUTH. 

I fear just the same. 

Clement. 
May I not see her for a moment — call to her at 
her door ? I'll be quiet enough. 

KUTH. 

No, no — not yet. 

Clement. 
Not yet, Mrs. Eolt. Still not yet. Oh, you 
mothers ! 

KUTH. 

[Bitterly.] Oh — we mothers ! 

Clement. 
[Handing her the basket of flowers.'] Give her 
these flowers with my — Say I — You know. 

[He drops disconsolately into the armchair. 
Ruth. 
[Calmly.] Thank you. They are very beautiful. 
[She goes out ; Clement the?i rises impa- 
tiently, 



62 SWEET LAVENDER 

Clement. 



Dick, Dick ! 
Clement ! 



Dick. 



Clement. 
The idea tortures me that something is being 
kept from us ! By Mrs. Kelt's manner there's a 
mystery, Dick ! 

Dick. 
You're right, Clement, my boy. By some inde- 
finable instinct I feel we are being done; sir ! 

[Dick hurls his pipe furiously into the grate, 
and sits in the armchair. 

Clement. 
Lavender loves me — I'll never doubt that. 

Dick. 

Oh, she loves us right enough — we needn't dis- 
tress ourselves on that score. 

Clement. 

But this illness! "I shall have red cheeks to- 
morrow," she said, Dick — meaning that she was 
well and happy ; and then, an hour afterwards — 
ill ! Too ill to be seen, too ill to send me a word 
of comfort. Last night — worse. This morning — 
worse. To-night — no better. Dick, it's unendur- 
able. 

Dick. 

[Rising with judicial solemnity, and warming 
himself by the fire.'] Well, you know, Clement, 



SWEET LA VENDER 63 

my boy, we may be unduly distressing ourselves — 
I say ourselves, because in tins case Mr. Richard 
Phenyl is with you. 

Clement. 

Bless you, Dick ! 

Dick. 

We should remember that we are youngsters at 
this sort of game ; that this is, in point of fact, the 
first time we have offered ourselves in marriage. 
For all we know, the prospect of an alliance with 
us would set up a condition of cerebral excitement 
in any young lady. [Taking up the poker to aid 
him in his argument.^ No, no, Clement, my boy, 
it isn't Lavvy's illness that puzzles me — 

Clement. 
What then, Dick ? 

Dick. 

Why, the sudden, self-satisfied affability of our 
aunt, Mrs. Gilfillian. 

Clement. 
Ah! 

Dick. 

[Flourishing the poker. .] There's an unpleasant 
air of truculent triumph in our aunt's demeanour 
that I resent, Clement, my boy ! 

Clement. 

And I too, Dick ! And the incessant civility 
and attention I'm in duty bound to show Mrs. 
Gilfillian drives me mad. Good gracious, Dick ! 
she and Minnie never leave me for a moment ! 



64 SWEET LAVENDER 

Dick. 

Our aunt is undoubtedly a barnacle, Clement, 
my boy. 

Clemext. 

They lunched here yesterday — you know. 

Dick. 
/ know. 

Clement. 

Afterwards dragging me to the Park for two 
hours in a ridiculous hired landau, and ending by 
carrying me off to a classical concert in the evening. 

Dick. 
I feel for you, Clement, though I was at a smok- 
ing concert myself last night. 

Clemext. 
This morning, didn't they breakfast with us ? 

Dick. 

Our forthcoming weekly bill will testify that 
they did ! 

Clemext. 

Then we went shopping in Bond Street, asked 
the price of everything, and had little cold veal 
pies for luncheon at a ladies' confectioners. 

Dick. 
[With a wry face.'] Oh, don't, Clem, don't ! 

Clemext. 
After that we visited picture galleries, till I lost 
all patience, declared I was neglecting my studies 



SWEET LAVENDER 65 

and rushed away to buy a few flowers for my dear 
one. 

Dick. 

Well, Clem, perhaps it enables you to forget for a 
minute or, two the poor little sick girl downstairs. 

Clement. 

Ah, Dick, that's unworthy of you! Why, every 
street to me is " Lavender Street ; " the newsboys 
shout nothing but " Lavender ! " "Evening Laven- 
der ! " and the flower girls sell only sweet Lavender 
from their baskets. The whole world is perfumed 
with Lavender ; and yet she and I seem so far apart. 
Dick — so very far apart. 

[There is a rat-tat at the outer door. 

Dick. 
A visitor. Can it be our aunt ? 

Clement. 
\_Wearibj.~\ Open the door, Dick, like a good 
fellow. 

[Dick opens the door, Minnle is outside. 

Dick. 

Miss Gilfillian ! 

Minnie. 
Yes. May I see Clement, Mr. Phenyl? 

. Dick. 

I don't wish to dazzle you, Miss Gilfillian, but you 
may see both of us. Come in. 



66 SWEET LAVENDER 

Minnie enters. She is handsomely dressed for the 
theatre. 

Clement. 
Why, Minnie ! Are you alone ? 

Minnie. 

Don't scold me, Clem. [Quietly to him.~\ I've 
something I must say to you in secret. 

Clement. 
But where's aunt ? 

Minnie. 

\_Laughing.~] I've given poor mamma what we 
children used to call the slip. 

Dick. 

Ah! [With a chuckle.] Ha! ha! [Minnie 
turns to Dick, he pokes thefire.~\ I beg your pardon. 

[Clement assists Minnie to take off her cloak. 

Minnie. 

I'm afraid you're dreadfully shocked, Mr. Phenyl. 

Dick. 

No — no. 

Minnie:. 

While mamma was dressing for the theatre I 
stole away in a hansom. I've left a note for her on 
my table. [Laughing.] Ha, ha ! 



SWEET LAVENDER 67 

Dick. 

[Joining in the laugh."] Ha, ha! 

Minnie. 

[Suddenly serious. ,] It's awfully wrong. 

Dick. 

[Seriously. ~\ Yes, it'll vex our aunt — Mrs. Gil- 
fillian. 

Minnie. 

[To Clement.] But mamma will call for us here 
at half-past eight, Clem dear. 

Clement. 
For us? 

Minnie. 

Why, haven't you received her letter ? 

Dick. 

Dear me, quite forgot — letter for you somewhere, 
Clem. [Arranging the armchair for Minnie j Miss 

Gilfillian, toss for the armchair. I mean, try the 
armchair. 

[Clement finds the letter on the teacup and 
opens it. 

Clement. 

[Reading the letter disconsolately '.] "We have a 
box for four persons for the Cabinet Theatre to wit- 
ness the new play about which people talk so much 
— i The Sealskin Jacket.' I hear it described as a 
salutary lesson to young men. We shall fetch you 



68 SWEET LAVENDER 

at half-past eight." [Quietly to Dick.] Dick ! I'm 
getting desperate ! 

Dick. 
[Under his breath, grasping Clement's hand.] 
Bear up. We must continue to hold a candle to — 
to aunt. 

Clement. 
Why shouldn't you join us, and help me through 
the evening ? The box holds four. 

Dick. 
I know. Our aunt spread out in front and the 
rest looking at her hair-pins. No. 

Clement. 
Dick, you're unkind. 

Dick. 

Unkind! \_In a whisper.'] Clement, my boy, 
have you seen my evening clothes ? 

Clement. 

No, Dick. 

Dick. 

Thought not. The coat and waistcoat are in fair 
preservation, but the rest of it has been attending 
funerals for years. 

Minnie. 

[Tapping her foot impatiently.'] Clement! 

Clement. 
I beg your pardon, Minnie. 



SWEET LAVENDER 69 

[Minnie eyes Dick, and looks at Clement 
significantly. 

Minnie. 
\_In an undertone.'] Clement — Mr. Phenyl ! 

Clement. 

Oh ! yes. {Trying to attract Dick's attention.'] 
Dick! 

Dick. 

{Sitting at table.] No, no. 

Clement. 
Dick! 

Dick. 

Rather busy to-night, Clement, my boy. 

[Clement makes signs to Dick to depart, 
ivhile Dick, thinking that Clement is 
renewing his persuasions with regard to 
the theatre, shakes his head. 

Clement. 

{Impatiently.] Dick! {Whispers to him. 

Dick. 

Oh ! {Shaking Clement's hand.] My dear 
Clement ! 

{He snatches up a book from the sofa, a 
newspaper from the table, and a pipe and 
tobacco jar from the mantelpiece, and goes 
to the door of his oivn room. 



70 SWEET LAVENDER 

Dick. 

[Innocently. ~] Can you spare me' for ten minutes, 
Clement ? 

Clement. 

Certainly, Dick. 

Dick. 
Thank you. 

\_He goes into his room. Minnie watches to 
see the door close, then lays her hand upon 
Clement's arm. 

Minnie. 

[Softly.] Clem, dear, I've come to see you alone 
because I must put myself right with you. 

Clement. 
Isn't it I who should put myself right with you, 
Minnie ? 

Minnie. 
Don't be polite, Clem ; and unless you tell me 
you hate me I shall cease to respect you. 

Clement. 
Hate you ! 

Minnie. 
Why, look how mamma and I torture you all 
day by carrying you about with us ! Aren't 3*011 in 
agony, sir, the whole time ? What do you think 
you looked like this afternoon in Macnab's picture 
gallery in the Hayniarket ? 

Clement. 
I — I was so horribly anxious, Minnie, about — 



> 



SWEET LAVENDER 71 

Minnie. 

About your studies. Come, Clem. [She takes 
his hand and places him on the sofa, then sits on the 
head of the sofa looking down upon him.] Let us 
be fogies for a moment. You know we were very 
fond of each other as children, weren't we ? 

Clement. 

Yes, Minnie, and — 

Minnie. 
Hush ! Well, then, dear, as we grew up we grew 
out of our love, as boys and girls outgrow their 
clothes. Your love, as it were, got too short in 
the waist, and mine wouldn't meet at the buttons. 
And, at last, one fine day we yawned, Clem, and 
the seams of our affection collapsed. 

Clement. 
[Taking her hand, embarrassed.'] My dear 
Minnie — 

Minnie. 

[Sitting beside him.'] Ah, Clem, don't let us 
mourn for it ; we're lucky to have yawned in time, 
dear. And so I want you to understand that I 
won't help to mend and patch an old attachment; 
J won't put an extra flounce or a new set of hooks 
and eyes on a garment a couple of children wore to 
rags years ago. There ! That's what I call putting 
myself right with you. 

Clement. 
[Tenderly — taking her hands.] My dear sister, 
how compassionate you are to me ! 



72 SIVEET LAVENDER 

Minnie. 

\_Smiling.~] And so you were on with the new love 
before you were off with the old — you bad boy ! 

Clement. 
I — I can't help loving her, Minnie. 

Minnie. 

And you're quite sure there's plenty of devotion 
turned up at the edge, in case you haven't done 
growing ? 

Clement. 

Ah, Minnie, I'm not so bad as that ! 

Minnie. 

I've no faith in you — monster. But, Clem, I'm 
dreadfully afraid mam ma still thinks we shall make 
a match of it. [Laughingly.'] Whenever mamma 
is triumphant her curls are always rigid, and to-day 
they're like little telescopes. 

Clement. 

\_Angrihj.~] Whatever happens, Minnie, I resent 
aunt's interference. I am a man now ! 

. Minnie. 

Oh, yes, anybody can see that by the way you 
jilt people. But, Clem, dear, I wish you'd do some- 
thing to please me. 

Clement. 

I'll do anything ! 



SWEET LAVENDER 73 

Minnie. 

Anything but marry me. Well, don't wait for 
Uncle Geoffrey's return, but write to him to the 
Hotel Eivoli in Paris, and tell him how you adore 
— my hated rival. Uncle Geof. is a bachelor, but 
married men and bachelors are manufactured b} r the 
same process — love, Clem — and he'll understand. 
Tell him all, and say that the girl you have lost 
your treacherous heart to has won one staunch 
friend — Minnie Gilfillian. 

Clement. 
My dear sister, I'll write directly I get back from 
the theatre. [Putting his hand to Jtis breast. ~\ Shall 
I send him her portrait ? 

Minnie. 

[Pointing. ~\ You've got one there ! 

Clement. 
How did you guess ? 

Minnie. 

You silly boy ? Show it me. 

[She sits in the armchair; he takes a small 
photograph from his pocket and hands 
it to her. 

Minnie. 
[Leaning back scrutinising the portra it with a great 
air of indifference.] So this is the little lady I 
saw yesterday, in her best frock, is it ? 

Clement. 
Yes, I stole it from Dick Phenyl's album. 



74 SWEET LAVENDER 

Minnie. 
A thief as" well as a heart-breaker. And you con- 
sider her really pretty ? 

Clement. 
Say what you think, Minnie — I don't mind. 

Minnie. 
Why she has only two eyes, as I have ; and one 
nose and mouth just like me. Now, I wonder why 
you jilted me for Lavender ? 

Clement. 
You're only teasing me, aren't you ? 

Minnie. 

Oh ! I don't condescend to tease bad men. And 
what a very little girl she is. I see, it's economy ; 
when you're married you'll only keep a goat chaise. 
[Returning the photo.] She can't weigh much, Clem. 

Clement. 
Less than my heart does to-night, Minnie. She 
is ill — suffering. 

Minnie. 
[Compassionately."] Poor boy! She'll be well 
to-morrow. 

Clement. 
If anything happened to part us, Minnie! If 
I lost her ! 

Minnie. 
Hush, Clem ! [Taking his hand.'] Til tell you. 



SWEET LAVENDER 75 

When a girl knows she is loved by the man she loves 
she has a charmed life — her heart cant stop. If 
ever the elixir vitce is discovered, Clem, it'll turn 
out to be a bottle of something to keep a man and 
a woman in love with each other. There, run along 
and put its pretty things on for the theatre ! 

[He kisses her hand, and goes into his bedroom. 

Minnie. 

[Seeing the tea-things.] Tea ! {Putting her hand 
on the teapot.] Hot ! I must take to tea violently, 
now I'm going to be an old maid. To-morrow I'll 
buy a kitten. [There is a rat-tat at the outer door.] 
Mamma ! What a scolding's in store for me ! Oh, 
dear ! 

[She goes to the door and opens it. Horace 
Bream is outside ; he is in evening dress, 
and carries a cane. 

Horace. 
Mr. Hale ? 

Minnie. 

[Startled.'] Oh ! [She leaves the door in a flut- 
ter.] Horace Bream ! How awkward ! 

[Horace closes the door and follows her into 
the room. 

Horace. 
My dear Miss Gilfillian ! 

Minnie. 
[Uneasily.'] I daresay you're surprised — to 



76 SWEET LA VENDER 

meet — me — here. I — have missed mamma — - 
somehow. Perhaps you will call again. 

Horace. 
Very likely. If you remember I was here yes- 
terday. 

Minnie. 
[Embarrassed.] I mean, Mr. Hale may be quite 
ten minutes. 

Horace. 
I shall be perfectly charmed if he's twenty. 

Minnie. 
[Coldly. ~] If you decide to wait, Mr. Hale would 
like you to sit down, I'm sure. 

Horace. 
[Bowing. ~\ I'm sure he would. 

Minnie. 
[Pointing to a chair.] D — don't mind me. 
please. [She turns away abruptly, and sits at writ- 
ing-table with her back towards Horace. To her- 
self.'] '. A man's the last creature to recognise the 
possibility of his being de trop. 

Horace. 
[Moodily, to himself, as he sits on the arm of the 
armchair.'] Well, the formality of an unmarried 
lady in England is perfectly chilling. 

Minnie. 
[To herself] What does he think of my being 
here. 



SWEET LA VENDER 77 

Horace. 
[To himself. ~\ I can't — I can't endure this a 
minute longer. 

[He crosses to the sofa, where he sits watching 
Minnie. 

Minnie. 
[To herself] How embarrassing ! I wish I was 
buried ! 

Horace. 
[To himself] If this continues for another five 
seconds I shall shriek aloud. 

Minnie. 

I'll put a bold face on the matter — an American 
girl would be equal to twice this. [Looking angrily 
at the back of the armchair, in which she supposes 
Horace to be, tvhile he watches her with curiosity.] 
Bother ! [Horace rises in surprise, and Minnie, 
peeping over the back of the chair, finds it empty and 
turns, facing Horace with a gasp.] Oh! [In con- 
fusion.] Pray excuse my having left you for a 
moment. • Will you have some tea ? [Sitting. 

Horace. 
[Resuming his seat.] I shall be perfectly de- 
lighted. [To himself] In English society while 
there is tea there is hope. 

Minnie. 
Sugar ? 

Horace. 
Thank you. [Cheerfully to himself] We have 
fairly started. 



78 SWEET LA VENDER 

Minnie. 
And milk ? 

Horace. 
[After bowing assent.'] We are a perfect Con- 
gress. 

Minnie. 
[To herself] J[ wonder what he wants with Clem.^ 
[To Horace.] So glad y on called to consult Mr. 
Hale. 

Horace. 
Consult ? 

Minnie. 
[Handing him a cup of tea.] He's studying for 
the bar, you know. I thought perhaps — 

Horace. 
Oh, yes, certainly. I require his opinion on a 
matter of extreme delicacy. 

Minnie. 

[Looking away chilled.] Oh! 

Horace. 

[Watching her over his cup.] Congress has risen. 
[Leaning towards her.] Will you permit me to 
acquaint you with ni)'- delicate business ? 

Minnie. 

[Very coldly.'] Oh, really, Mr. Bream, I — I 
think — 

Horace. 
Miss Gilfillian, you are my delicate business. 



SWEET LAVENDER 79 

Minnie. 

[Rising quickly and haughtily.'] Indeed ! 

Horace. 
[Contemplating her.'] Now, how thoroughly 
characteristic that is of this old country. [Rising 
ivith his hat and cane.] Miss Gilfillian. [He goes 
to her — she moves away. He retreats, carefully 
choosing Ms position by selecting a particular spot in 
the pattern of the carpet ivith the end of his cane.] 
Miss Gilfillian, the time I have spent in your so- 
ciety and in that of your delightful mother has 
been extremely fascinating to me 

Minnie. 

[Distantly.] Oh, thank you. [Advancing a step 
or two.] I need not say I shall always remember 
gratefully the service you rendered me in Paris. 

Horace. 

Pray don't allude to that. I — [He goes towards 
her ; she retreats to her former position. After a 
slight pause, he identifies his. particular spot on the 
carpet and returns to it.] But, Miss Gilfillian, I 
cert'nly did hope that those enchanting moments 
in Nice and in Monte Carlo, where I had the honour 
of instructing you in Trente et Quarante, might be 
continued in this — dear old country. And that's 
why I'm here to consult my friend Hale. 

Minnie. 

[Firing up.] Pray, what has Mr. Hale to do 
with it ? 



8o SWEET LA VENDER 

Horace. 
Miss Gilfillian, you drove in the park yesterday 
— with iny friend Hale. 

Minnie. 

Certainl} r . 

Horace. 

I was there — hanging on to the railings. You 
were at Cristofaro's concert in the evening — with 
my friend Hale. 

Minnie. 

[Haughtily.'] I was. 

Horace. 
I was there — half over the balcony. 

Minnie. 
Eeally — I — 

Horace. 

This morning you were in and out all the stores 
in Bond Street — I was balancing myself on the 
curb. You had luncheon at a restaurant in Picca- 
dilly, where they sell flies and other candies. It 
was there I partook of a last season's ice. 

Minnie. 

[Losing her temper.'] Oh ! 

Horace. 

I followed to every picture gallery within a mile 
of the Burlington,- in the dark rooms of which 
I had a peaceful time. In fact, Miss Gilfillian, I 
have the honour to be always with you. 



SWEET LAVEXDER 81 

Minnie. 
[Angrily], I never see you, sir. 

Horace. 
I trust T know better than to intrude. 

Minnie. 
Where do you learn our movements ? 

Horace. 

At the hotel. 

Minnie. 

[Indignantly.] You present yourself at our 
hotel ! 

Horace. 

You are staying at my hotel. 

Minnie. 

Oh ! On the same floor, I presume. 

Horace. 

No. 

Minnie. 

[Sarcastically.] Thank you. 

Horace. 

I occupy the room immediately beneath your 
own. 

Minnie. 

To listen to my movements ! 



82 SWEET LAVENDER 

Horace. 
To enjoy the consolation of conjecture. 

Minnie. 
Oh ! I can't tell you how indignant I am ! 

Horace. 

[To himself.] 'Well, I never thought a man 
could enjoy so much conversation with a young 
unmarried lady in this — old country^ 

Minnie. 
Oh ! May I ask where you're going to-night ? 

Horace. 

I have a stall for the Cabinet Theatre. 

[ With a blank look Minnie sinks upon the 
sofa. 

Minnie. 
I shall tell Mr. Hale. 

Horace. 

Ah, if you will allow me, / will tell Mr. Hale. 
I'm here for that purpose. I'm here to ask my 
friend Hale whether he's fortunate enough to be 
engaged to the most fascinating lady 1 have ever 
known : and if he says Yes, I start for X'York on 
Saturday. 

Minnie. 

[Horrified.'] But if he says No ! 



SWEET LAVENDER 83 

Horace. 

Then I shall ask permission to rejoin your most 
delightful party. 

Minnie. 

Oh! 

Clement enters, dressed for the theatre. 

Clement. 

Half-past eight. 

[Minnie, much disturbed, runs up to him. 

Minnie. 

Clement, here is that Mr. Bream. 

Clement. 
Eh? [Seeing Horace and nodding distantly."] 
How d'ye do ? 

[Horace returns Clement's salutation 
unth a genial wave of the hand. 

Horace. 
How are you ? 

Clement. 
[Softly to Minnie.] What's he doing here ? 

Minnie. 

\_To Clement.] Just what he does everywhere. 
He's the original little old man of the sea ! [Stamp- 
ing her foot, .] He — he must be awfully fond of 
mamma ! 

Clement. 

[To himself] We can't snub him after his splen- 



84 SWEET LAVENDER 

did behaviour in Paris. Poor fellow ! I wonder if 
he would join our theatre party. [To Horace.] 
We're going to the Cabinet Theatre, Mr. Bream. 
I'm sure my aunt will be very pleased to see you in 
her box, if you — 

Minnie; 

Oh! 

Clement. 

It holds four. 

Horace. 
[Shahing hands with Clement.] Sir, it shall 
hold one who is eternally obliged to you. 

Minnie. 

[Distractedly.] It's Fate ! 

Enter Dick, in dilapidated evening dress, old opera 
hat and seedy gloves. 

Clement. 
[Surprised.] Why, Dick — I — 

Dick. 

Hadn't the heart to disoblige you, Clement, my 
boy. 

Clement. 

I have just asked Mr. Bream to take the fourth 
seat in the box. 

Minnie. 

I'm sure Mr. Bream will see that Mr. Phenyl has 
the first claim. 



SWEET LAVENDER 85 

Horace. 

[Bowing.'] Oh, cert'nly. [To himself.'] That's 
just cruel, anyway. 

Dick. 
[Clapping lu's hat on the mantelpiece anal hastily 
removing his gloves.] Couldn't think of it ! Happy 
release for all parties. 

Horace. 
[Throwing his hat in the air and catching it.] Ha ! 

Minnie. 

[To herself.] It is Fate ! 

[There is a very pronounced rat-tat-tat at 
the outer door. 

Minnie. 

My mamma ! 

Horace. 
[To himself.] And, I hope, mine. 

Clement. 

[To Dick.] That's aunt, Dick. 

Dick. 

Auntie, undoubtedly. 

Clement. 
[Hesitatingly.] Will you — er ? 

Dick. 

No, Clement, my boy. I opened the door last — 
your turn, 



86 SWEET LAVENDER 

[Dick joins Horace and Minnie. Clem- 
ent goes to the door and, opens it. Mrs. 
Gilfillian is seen outside, dwssed for 
the theatre. 

Mrs. Gilfillian. 
Clement ! Is Minnie here ? 

Clement. 
Yes, aunt. Won't you come in ? 

Mrs. Gilfillian. 

Come in? Of course I'll come in. [Entering.] 
Minnie ! 

Minnie. 
Mamma ! 

Mrs. Gilfillian. 
[Indignantly.'] Don't speak to me ! A young 
girl ! You who taught in a Sunday-school at Barn- 
chester. Don't speak to me ! What have you to 
say for yourself ? 

Clement. 
[Arranging the armchair for her.] My dear 
aunt — 

Mrs. Gilfillian. 
Go away, Clement. [Breathlessly, sinking into the 
armchair!] How did you get here ? 

Minnie. 
A hansom, mamma. 

Mrs. Gilfillian. 
How dare you ! An unmarried girl in a hansom ! 



SWEET LAVENDER 87 

Minnie. 

They're quicker than four-wheelers, mamma. 

Mrs. Gilfillian. 
Quicker! They're faster. I never drove in 
hansoms alone till I was thirty-three, and then I 
made the driver promise not to look at me through 
the roof. 

Minnie. 
They never do that when you're alone. Mamma 

— [coaxing"] — and, indeed, I'm very sorry. 

Mrs. Gilfillian. 
Sorry ! 

Minnie. 

I wanted to speak to Clement — just by ourselves 

— there ! 

Mrs. Gilfillian. 

You haven't quarrelled ! 

Minnie. 

Quarrelled ! ISTo. We understand each other 
better now than we have ever done. 



Mrs. Gilfillian. 



Perhaps 
In a whis- 



[Patting Minnie's cheek approvingly. 
I've been a little too cross with you. 
per.] But you must tell me everything to-night 
before you close your eyes. Mind — everything! 



Minnie, 



Yes — everything ! 



88 SWEET LA VENDER 

Mrs. Gilfillian. 
[Triumphantly, to herself.'] It's settled ! I'm 
sure of it ! 

Clement. 

[Looking at his watch.] Shall we start, aunt ? 

Mrs. Gilfillian. 

[Looking at him beamingly, and boxing his ears 
playfully with her fan.] The carriage is waiting. 
You bad boy ! 

[Unnoticed, Dick stands looking on. 

Clement. 

I hope }^ou'll forgive me, aunt, for providing a 
fourth occupant to your box. 

Mrs. Gilfillian. 

Not that Mr. Funnel ! 

Dick. 
No. 

Mrs. Gilfillian. 

[Turning.] Oh ! [To Dick apologetically.] I — 
really — I — 

Clement. 
Mr. Bream, aunt ! 

Mrs. Gilfillian. 

[Turning round and coming face to face with 
Horace.] Mr. Bream ! 



SWEET LA VENDER 89 

[Horace talks to Mrs. Gilfillian, Dick 
chuckling at them. 

Minnie. 

[Quietly to Clement.] Clem, I must ask your 
advice about Mr. Bream, directly. 

Clement. 

Delighted. [Assisting Minnie to put on mantle.] 
Bream, will you drive 011 with my aunt to the 
theatre ? Minnie and I want to walk up to Brigg's, 
the florist's by Middle Temple Gate. We'll follow 
you in a cab. 

Mrs. Gilfillian. 

[To herself.'] They have settled it ! [Shaking her 
fan at Clement.] Ah — h — h ! you sly boy. [Good 
humour edly taking Horace's arm.] We're encum- 
brances. Come along, Mr. Bream ! 

Horace. 

[Utiefully to himself] Damn ! 

[He takes Mrs. Gilfillian out, leaving 
the door open. 

Clement. 

Good-night, Dick. [Warningly.~] Word of hon- 
our as usual ! 

Dick. 

[To Clement, loftily.] Word of honour, as usual, 
Clement, my boy. 



90 SWEET LAVENDER 

Minnie. 
Good-night, Mr. Phenyl. So sorry you are not 
coming with us. Is the florist's far ? 

Dick. 
Two minutes. 

Clement. 
We can make it ten by going round. It's a fine 
night. 

\_As Mixxie and Clement go out, Bulger 
passes them and enters hastily. 

Clement. 
[Outside.'] Ah ! Mr. Bulger. 

[Clement closes the door. Dick turns and 
almost catches Bulger in his arms. 
Bulger, who is dressed in his best, is 
very agitated. 

Bulger. 
Mr. Phenyl ! 

Dick. 
What's the matter ? 

[Bulger drops faintly into the armchair, 
and wipes liis brow with a. coloured hand- 
he rcli ief. 

Bulger. 

Excuse me for setting, sir; oh ! Mr. Phenyl. 

Dick. 

I wish you wouldn't look as if you expected me 
to shave you, Bulger. You're not ill, I hope ? 

I 



SWEET LAVENDER 91 

Bulger. 
You and me has known Mrs. Eolt the same len'th 
o' time, Mr. Phenyl. 

Dick. 

What of her ? 

Bulger. 

There's no need for secrecy no longer, sir. I 'ave 
regarded Mrs. Kolt very deeply for years, sir. 

Dick. 
Bulger ! 

Bulger. 

Eidickleous it seems, most likely — I don't deny it. 

Dick. 

Of course it's ridiculous. 

Bulger. 

[Angrily.] I tell you I don't deny it, sir ! But 

it's 'ard to keep our place in this world when the 

place is a mean small one, and I 'ave so far forgot 

myself concerning Ruth Kolt as to drop into poetry. 

[He produces a folded paper from his hat. 

Dick shrinks away. 

Dick. 
No! 

Bulger. 

Don't fear, sir. But this ev'ning while 'anging 
about the railin's downstairs — more like a thief 
than an old-established hairdresser — 'oping for a 



9 2 SWEET LAVENDER 

chance to slip this into Mrs. R.'s 'and, I — I saw 
what's brought me up to you, Mr. Phenyl. 

Dick. 

What have you seen, Bulger ? 

Bulger. 
Peerin' over the top of the blind I see her little 
hornaments vanished from the mantelpiece, sir, 
and her few pictures took down — .nd — and — 

Dick. 
Bulger ! what does it mean ? 

Bulger. 

It honly means one thing to my mind. Ruth 
Eolt's a-goin', Mr. Phenyl. 

Dick. 

Going ! Going away ! 

Bulger. 
[Pacing distractedly up and doivn the room."] 

Goin', after all these years. 

Dick. 

Wait ! 

[Dick runs excited!;/ up to the outer door, 
- opens it and goes out. He returns di- 
rectly, drawing the curtain over the pas- 
sage opening. 

Dick. 
[Breathlessly, holding the curtain.'] Bulger ! 



SWEET LAVENDER 93 

Dick. 
[Pointing to the door of his bedroom.] Get out of 
the way ! Wait in that room. 

[Bulger goes into Dick's bedroom. The 
curtain is then pushed, aside and Ruth, 
in outgoing attire, looks in. 

Ruth. 

Mr. Phenyl ! 

Dick. 

[ With assumed lightness.'] Ah, Ruth ! 

Ruth. 
I've seen Mr. Hale go out with his friends ; is 
there any chance of his returning till late ? 

Dick. 

They're off to the play. He won't be back till 
past eleven. [She drops the curtain. 

Dick. 

What's this ? What's this ? 

Ruth. 

[Outside, calling softly.] Lavender ! Lavender ! 

Dick. 
Lavender! [Ruth pushes aside the curtain and 
enters with Lavender, who is also dressed for going 
out, while her face is pale, her eyes red with weeping?^ 
Why, Lavvy ! 



94 SWEET LA VENDER 

Ruth. 

[Pressing Lavexder to her.] Don't speak to 
her. She can't bear it. 

Dick. 

Ruth, what are you doing ? 

Ruth. 

Running away, people will call it ; but we're out 
of debt, so that doesn't matter. We've come to 
say — good-bye, Mr. Phenyl. 

Dick. 

Good-bye, Ruth ! Not good-bye ! 

[Lavexder gives a little cry of pain ; Ruth 
places her in the armchair, then speaks 
to Dick apart. 

Ruth. 

You've been a kind friend to us for fifteen years, 
Mr. Phenyl, but I'd have gone without troubling 
you, because you won't understand. But Lavvy 
begged so hard to look at this room once more, and 
I trust you not to hinder us ; I know I can trust you. 

[She leaves him and leans her head on the 
back of the chair, weeping. 

Dick. 

You're not going to hide yourselves away from 
Mr. Hale ? [Lavender starts up with a cry. 

Lavender. 

Oh ; yes, yes! 



SWEET LA VENDER 95 

RUTH. 

Mr. Hale! Why did lie ever come here to bring 
this sorrow on me — to rob me of my little girl's 
love ? What is Mr. Hale to me ? I was rich before 
he came, because of her. My poor rooms were warm 
and well-furnished — all because of her. Yester- 
day any grand lady might have envied me — be- 
cause of her. [Indignantly.'] Mr. Hale, indeed ! 

Lavender. 

Mother ! I'm doing what you ask me, without 
complaining. But don't — don't speak against Mr. 
Hale any more. 

Dick. 

[Fiercely.'] Speak against Mr. Hale ! Who does ? 
Ruth, who's at the bottom of this ? I'll know — 
I'll know, before I let this boy's heart be broken as 
well as Lavvy's ! 

[Lavender goes to Dick and lays her head 
upon his shoulder, sobbing. 

Lavender. 

Oh, Mr. Phenyl ! Will it break his heart ? Will 
it — will it? 

Ruth. 
[To Dick, despairingly.'] You'll undo all I've 

done. Don't ! don't ! 

[Dick puts Lavender from him gently. She 
goes and sits iveeping on the window seat. 

Dick. 

Now, look here, Ruth Rolt ! 



96 SWEET LAVENDER 

Ruth. 

Hush! Mr. Phenyl, I'm deceiving her! 

Dick. 
Deceiving her ? 

Ruth. 

I'm forcing her to do this ! I've begged to her, 
gone down on my knees to her, made her promise 
not to forsake me. I've told her that if Mr. Hale 
married her, his rich friends would turn their backs 
on him, and that he'd soon weary of a wife who'd 
brought him only poverty. I've taught her that a 
true woman best proves her love for a man by think- 
ing of his future. But, Heaven forgive me, that's 
not why I'm doing this — that's not why ! 

Dick. 

Then there's no reason at all. Ruth, and you 
sha'n't do it ! I say, you sha'n't do it ! 

Ruth. 

Oh, pity me ! I'll tell you ! If Lavender ever 
married Mr. Hale she would have to be told the 
secret of my life. 

Dick. 
\In a whisper.'] The secret, Ruth ! 

Ruth. 

Yes. I pray for all women who hug such a secret 
to their bosom as I have always with me to keep me 
company. It would have worn me out years ago 
but for one blessing, one consolation — my child's 



SWEET LA VENDER 9 y 

respect for her mother. I've no right to it, but it 
has made my life endurable, even happy, and — im- 
agine what it would be for me to lose it now ! 

[Dick holds out his handf she turns and 
takes it. 

Dick. 

[Falteringly.~] Euth, did I speak crossly to you? 
Ruth, did I? I — I'm sorry; Lord forgive me — 
what a trouble and a worry I've been to you these 
fifteen years ! 

[Ruth leans upon the armehair, iveeping. 
Lavender comes to Dick. 

Lavender. 
[Faintly.] Mother, may I sit with Mr. Phenyl, 
if he'll let me, till it's time for us to start ? 

Dick. 

[Patting her head.'] Of course, Lavvy — of 
course. 

Ruth. 

[In a whisper to Dick.] Oh, tell her that what 
I do is right. I know she'll never love me again 
as she has loved me ; but be my friend and defend 
me, Mr. Phenyl. [To Lavender, as site is going 
towards the door.] In ten minutes, Lavender. 

Lavender. 

Yes, mother. 

Dick. 
[Following Ruth.] You won't confide in me 
where you're going, Ruth ? 



98 SWEET LA VENDER 

E/UTH. 

Don't ask me — even she doesn't know yet. 
Good-bye. 

Dick. 

[Taking her hand,] Ah, Ruth — fifteen j^ears — 
fifteen years. 

Ruth. 

[Tearfully.'] J remember many, many kindnesses 
to me and my little one. [Raising his hand to her 
lips.] Good-bye, Mr. Phenyl. [She goes out. 

Dick. 

[To himself, as he goes to the armchair and sinks 
into it.] Good-bye, Ruth, good-bye. Fifteen years .' 
Fifteen years ! 

Lavender. 
Mr. Phenyl! 

Dick. 
Lavender ! 

Lavender. 
Is it true, Mr. Phenyl ? 

Dick. 

Is what true ? 

Lavender. 

Mother says that. Mr. Hale's friends would turn 
against him if he married me ; would they ? She 
says that he'd dote on me for a time, and treat me 
like a child does a doll, and then he'd grow tired 
of me and fret for what he'd lost by choosing a toy- 
wife instead of a lady. Is that true, Mr. Phenyl ? 



SWEET LAVENDER 99 

Dick. 

[Distressed."] Lavvy, you do ask such questions ! 

Lavender. 

You know him very well ; perhaps he's talked to 
you a little about me. I'll believe you if you tell 
me I'm not fit for him. Is it true, Mr. Phenyl, is 
it true ? 

[She breaks down, and sinking on her knees, 
boics her head on the arm of the chair, 
and 



Dick. 

[Hesitatingly.] Lavvy — I — 

Lavender. 
[Crying.'] Oh, it's not true, is it ? 

Dick. 

[ With an effort.] Yes, Lavvy, it's true. 

Lavender. 

[Faintly.] Oh ! 

Dick. 

It's the way of the world for poverty to make us 
sour and unjust ; and if Clem came to grief he 
might lay it at the door of the little doll's house 
which contained the little doll he'd married. 

Lavender. 

[Rising, and drawing back.] Oh, I don't believe 
that of Clem. 



ioo SWEET LAVENDER 

Dick. 
[Starting up and following her.] No — nor I ! 

Lavender. 

Ah! 

Dick. 

[Checking himself.] But — your mother knows 
better than we do ! — your mother knows better 
than we do ! So you must go downstairs now, 
Lavvy. It's quite time you went downstairs to 
your mother. 

Lavender. 

I wanted you to let me write a letter here, just 
saying good-bye to Clement ; but now you send me 
downstairs. 

Dick. 

[Not looking at her.] Be quick, then, be quick. 

Lavender. 

Yes, I'll be quick. 

\_She goes to the writing-table, and sits writ- 
ing. 

Dick. 
[Eyeing Lavender, guiltily.] I'm behaving re- 
markably well to Clement, I am. I'm a valuable 
friend for a young gentleman to board with and 
confide in, I flatter m}*self ! Ugh ! 

Lavender. 

[Writing.] " My dear — my dear — " [To her- 
self] How can I call him my dear ; he's not my 
dear ! 



SWEET LAVENDER 101 

[She sobs. Dick hears her and starts, put- 
ting his fingers in his ears. 

Dick. 
[Helplessly.'] Why did I promise to help Ruth ? 

Lavender. 
Oh, Clement, Clement ! 

. Dick. 

[To himself.'] Poor Clem ! I shall never be able 
to look him in the face again. I — I — 

[He works his mouth as if his tongue were dry, 
then desperately looks into the teapot. 

Lavender. 
[Writing.] "It's for your good — I'm going 
away." [ With another sob.] Ah ! 

Dick. 

[Shutting the lid of the teapot,] Empty. 

[He starts up, looks round quickly, then goes 
to the sideboard, stooping down and open- 
ing the cupboard, while he glances over 
his shoulder at Lavender. 

Lavender. 

[Besting her head upon the table.] Oh, I can't. 
I can't. 

[Dick takes a decanter of whiskey and the 
carafe and tumbler from the sideboard 
and brings them to the table. 



102 SWEET LA VENDER 



Dick. 



[To himself.'] The last time, Clement, my boy 
— the last time. [He pours some whiskey into the 
tumbler and gulps it. It makes him cough: he looks 
round at Lavender guiltily, then draws the left side 
of the large curtain over the opening to the further 
room.'] Only a thimbleful, Clement, my boy. 
[Pouring out more whiskey and drinking it ; then 
sitting and staring at the tumbler.'] I — I've broken 
my word to Clement. [Drinking.] If Clem were 
to come back now by chance he'd see me — . [Sud- 
denly.'] He'd see her — . Oh! [He drains his 
glass and rises excitedly.] Clemen', my boy ! Why 
shouldn't you come back now — by chance ? [He 
goes to the table and scribbles a few words on a piece 
of paper, which he hastily encloses in an envelope.' 
Bulger ! Where did I put Bulger ? [Recollecting.' 
Bulger ! [Going hastily to the door of his bedroom, 
opening it, and calling in a whisper.] Bulger ! 
[Bulger appears in the doorway. Dick seizes him 
and gives him the note.] Run up to Brigg's, the 
florist. If you catch Mr. Hale there, give him that. 
Run, Bulger, run — run ! [He hurries Bulger out.' 
Now, I've broken my word to poor Ruth. [ Weakly." 
Bulger! [Going to the door again, opening it, and 
calling faintly.] Bulger? Don't run — walk! 

Mr. Maw, a ivhite-haired old gentleman in an In- 
verness cape, with a crisp, dry manner of speak- 
ing, appears outside. 

Maw. 

Oh, I'm lucky, Mr, Phenyl. May I speak to 
you on a matter of great importance ? 



SWEET LAVENDER 103 

Dick. 
[Closing the door.] Mr. Maw, I think ? ] 

Maw. 

Yes. lam very late in leaving my office to-night, 
and seeing your light in your window — . [Staring 
at Dick.] I hope you're well ? 

Dick. 
[Drawing himself up with dignity. ~] Qui' well, 
than'g you. Take a chair. 

Maw. 

[Sitting — to himself. ] This man is in his usual 
condition, I'm afraid. 

Dick. 

[Drawing the right side of the large curtain to 
meet the left side, completely hiding the further room 
from vieiv.] Excuse me, Lavvy — two minutes — 
two minutes. 

[He walhs with rather uncertain steps to a 
chair and sits, mixing some whiskey and 
water. 

Maw. 
[Taking some papers from, his pocket — eyeing 
Dick.] Well, well, perhaps it's better ! I really 
pity him. 

Dick. 
[Drinking.'] Broken my word to Euth. 

Maw. 

[Selecting from his papers a letter with a deep 
mourning border.] Mr. Phenyl. 



104 SWEET LAVENDER 

Dick. 
[With a wave of the hand towards the decanter.'] 
Join me ? 

Maw. 
[Sharply.] No, thank you. 

Dick. 
No. [ Getting quite muddled.] If you don't take 
weak drop whiskey an' wa'er after the labours of 
the day, when do you take weak drop whiskey an' 
wa'er ? 

Maw. 
Never, sir. Mr. Phenyl, your late mother's 
brother, Mr. Vipont — 

Dick. 

Uncle George. [Snapping his fingers indignantly.] 
I washed my han's of him twen'y years ago — on 
account of his habits. I should say my habits. 

[Drin k ing aga in. 
Maw. 
If you'd kindly postpone your — supper till I've 
gone I should feel obliged. Mr. Phenyl, you will 
regret to hear that Mr. Vipont is dead. 

[Dick has his glass to his lips — he replaces 
it upon the table. 

Dick. 

[Whimpering.] Poor Uncle George ! A violent- 
tempered man, Mr. Maw — all blame, blame; but 
praise, oh dear, no! [With a hiccough.] Much 
might have been done by kindness. 



SWEET LA VENDER 105 

Maw. 

[Shortly.] Whatever lack of toleration your 
uncle displayed towards you, Mr. Phenyl, he ne- 
glected to destroy a will made years ago entirely 
in your favour. 

Dick. 
[Rising unsteadily. .] My fav'ah ! Will in — my 
fav'ah ! My ! 

Maw. 
[Raising his hand.'] But, Mr. Phenyl — 

Dick. 
[Swaying to and fro over Maw.] But ! Oh, I 
p'ceive. My poor uncle resembled his poor nephew 
— never thought of the rainy day when he'd want 
a pound or two to die with. 

Maw. 
I beg your pardon. I have a schedule here of 
bonds and other easily negotiable securities, depos- 
ited with his bankers, of the value of twenty-five 
thousand pounds. 

Dick. 

[With his hand to his head.~\ Wai'! Wai'! 
Twen'y-five thousan' — 

Maw. 

Beyond that I trace a further fifteen thousand 
entrusted to these bankers for investment at their 
discretion. 

[Dick falls into his chair and gulps at his 
drink. 



io6 SWEET LAVENDER 

Dick. 
[Incoherently. .] Twen'y-five thousan' — fifteen 
thousan' — for'y thousan' — 

Maw. 
But, Mr. Phenyl, I've not yet told you every- 
thing. 

Dick. 
[Waving him away.] For'y thousan' — that's 
sufficient ! 

Maw. 
I've told you that Mr. Vipont's fortune was in 
the hands of his bankers. 

Dick. 
[Drinking.'] Long life to the bankers ! 

Maw. 

It is the old tale, sir — over-speculation, tempta- 
tion, false balance sheets. To-day the doors of the 
bank to which Mr.' Vipont entrusted his fortune 
have been finally closed. 

Dick. 

Broke ! 

Maw. 

[Producing a telegram.'] This telegram informs 
me that two of the partners have absconded. It's 
a bad business, Mr. Phenyl. 

Dick. 

[Blankly.] Flight of — for'y — thousan' part- 
ners ! [Taking the telegram from Maw and look- 
ing at it stupidly.] Uncle George's fortune. 



SWEET LAVENDER 107 

[Bustling the telegram and looking through it as if 
it were a bank-note.] Largest bank-note I've ever 
had in my life. 

[Sticking the telegram in his waistcoat pocket, 
Dick staggers across the room as the door 
opens and Clement enters with Dick's 
note in his hand. 

Clement. 
[Breathlessly ■.] Dick ! 

Dick. 

Clemen', my boy ! 

[Clement comes upon Dick who is sitting 
helplessly on the arm of the chair. 

Clement. 
[Starting back.] Dick ! You've been — drink- 
ing ! 

Dick. 
No. [Pointing to Maw.] My s'litor, Mr. Maw. 

Maw. 
[Brusquely.] Mr. Phenyl isn't very well, I'm 
afraid. 

Dick. 
[To Maw.] The spirits are with you, Mr. Maw. 

Maw. 
I'll see Mr. Phenyl in the morning. 

[Maw goes out and shuts door, 



108 SWEET LAVENDER 

Clement. 
[Pulling Dick up.] Dick, speak to me ! What's 
the meaning of this note ? 

Dick. 

Ban'g note, Clemen'. For'y thousan' pounds. 

Clement. 
[Shaking Dick's arm.'] Dick ! there's no bad 
news of Lavender. 

Dick. 

[Slightly reviving.'] Lavender ! Oh — I remem- 
ber. [Pointing toward the curtains.] Imporant 
letter from Lavender in the nex' room. 

Clement. 
A letter ! Thank you for sending after me, but 
I wouldn't have come back to see you like this, 
not even for a letter from Lavender. Dick, I'll 
never trust you again ! 

[He goes through the curtains, closing them 
after him. 

Dick. 

[Piteously.] Oh, do forgive me, Clemen' ! do 
overlook it ! 

[There is the sound of a cry from Lavender. 

Lavender. 

[On the other side of the curtains.] Ah, Clement ! 

Dick. 

[Listening.] Ah ! you'll forgive me now, Clem- 



SWEET LA VENDER 109 

en 1 , won't you ? It's Ruth who'll never forgive me. 
I'll hide from Ruth ! I can't face Ruth ! {Tak- 
ing up the decanter and tumbler and crossing to the 
door of his bedroom.'] The las' time, Clemen', my 
boy — the las' time ! 

{He stumbles out, as Clement comes through 
the curtains supporting Lavender. He 
places her gently upon the sofa. 

Clement. 
[In a whisper.'] Dick — I didn't mean what I 
said. I — 

Lavender. 

{Opening her eyes.] Clement! 

Clement. 

[Bending over her.] Lavender ! 

Lavender. 

The letter — the letter I was writing to you ! 
Fetch it. 

Clement. 
The letter! 

[He disappears through the curtain. 

Lavender. 
He mustn't find out to-night that mother is taking 
me away ! 

[Clement re-enters with the letter. 

Clement. 
Won't vou give it to me ? 



no SWEET LAVENDER 

Lavexder. 
By-and-bye ! by-and-bye ! 

[He gives her the letter — she thrusts it into 
her pocket with a sigh of relief. 

Clement. 
My poor little sweetheart, are these the red 
cheeks you promised ? Is this how you keep faith 
with me ? 

Lavender. 
I meant to keep faith with you always, Clement. 
[Covering her face with her hands. 

Clement. 
Ah, I'm not scolding you. How brave of you to 
struggle up all these stairs to ease my suspense. 
But won't you say that you're better — a little bet- 
ter — for seeing me ? 

Lavender. 

[Falter inglu.] Yes; I — I — But you startled 
me so, Clement ! 

Clement. 

[Putting his arm round her.] Why, what a deli- 
cate little flower it is, and how I shall have to tend 
it and nurture it all my life ! 

Lavender. 

All — your — life ! All your life ! 

[She takes his hand from her shoulder and 
throws it almost roughly fr&m her — then 
rises in agitation. 



SWEE T LA VENDER 1 1 1 

Clement. 

[Startled.] Lavender ! 

Lavender. 

[Under her breath, clasping her hands.] Mother! 
don't take me away ! Don't, don't take me away ! 

Clement. 
Lavender ! You're angry with me. 

Lavender. 

[Pointing to the clock.] No; but I'd forgotten — 
Mother is waiting for me. Good-night, Clement. 

Clement. 
Ah, no — not yet. 

Lavender. 

I must — I — I promised. And, Clement, you 
have been very troubled about me, the few hours 
we've been separated, haven't you ? 

Clement. 

Troubled ! If you only knew ! 

Lavender. 

Well, then, dear, I want you to remember, if ever 
we're parted again — 

Clement. 

No — - not again, Lavender, 



112 SWEET LAVENDER 

Lavender. 

I mean, if ever you have to go upon a journey, or 

I — have — to go — a journey — I want you to bear 
in mind that my thoughts are true and faithful and 
loving to you. 

Clement. 

My sweet Lavender ! 

Lavender. 

And though I'm a poor commonplace girl, and 
you're far above me, my prayers for you are just as 
good as any lady's, and they shall never cease, night 
or morning — never, dear, never, not as long as I 
live. [Taking the letter from her pocket, and giving 
it to him timidly.'] There's the letter I wrote to 
you.. You must give me your word you'll not open 
it till the morning. 

Clement. 
I do give you my word. 

Lavender. 

Let me see you hide it away somewhere : in the 
next room, or — 

Clement. 

[With a smile.] Certainly. I'll lock it up there. 
[Going to the writing-table, and unlocking the drawer^ 
he puts the letter away, talking, while his back is 
turned towards Lavender.] There ! When I open 
this drawer to-morrow these old bills will have 
doubled themselves with pride. What have they 
done to deserve such sweet company ? 



SWEET LAVENDER 113 

[Seizing her opportunity, with a last look 
at Clement, she goes softly up to the 
outer door. As she reaches it there is a 
loud rat-tat-tat, and, with a cry, she 
comes back into the room. 



Clement ! 



Lavender. 



Clement. 



[Turning. ~\ Hullo ! A caller for Dick, I expect. 
Whoever it is, he doesn't come in. 

\_He goes up to the outer door and opens it. 
Mr. Geoffrey Wedderburn is outside. 

Wedderburn. 

[Heartily.'] Clement, my dear lad ! 

Clement. 

Father ! 

[With a low cry, Lavender disappears 
through the curtain, as Wedderburn 
enters, while Clement, having closed the 
door, looks around for her. Geoffrey 
Wedderburn is a handsome, well-pre- 
served man of about fifty ivith a ruddy 
face, a bright cheery voice with a slight 
burr in it, and the air and manner of a 
prosperous country gentleman. He is 
dressed in tweeds and an ulster, as if 
from a journey. He throws his hat and 
gloves upon the sofa, then turns to 
Clement with open arms. 



114 SWEET LAVENDER 

Wedderburn. 

Come here ! [Affectionately.'] Lord, how glad I 
am to see you ! 

Clement. 
[Taking his hand.] Ah, father, now that I hear 
your kind voice I feel how neglectful I've been. 
You look well. 

Wedderburn. 
Look well! Ha, ha! [Playfully.] I haven't 
a little love affair on hand, you villain ! 

[Throwing his ulster upon the sofa. 

Clement. 
Dad, you know ! 

Wedderburn. 

Know! All the world knows when a terrible 
chap like you is in love. 

Clement. 
[Embarrassed.] I was going to write to you to- 
night. 

Wedderburn. 
Don't you trouble yourself, Clem. [Taking a 
bundle of letters and papers from his pocket.] Your 
Aunt Clara's telegram gives a few interesting par- 
ticulars. 

Clement. 
Mrs. Gilfillian's telegram ! 

Wedderburn. 
Why, what dy'e think has brought me from Paris 
in such a deuce of a hurry — eh ? 



SWEE T LA VENDER. 1 1 5 

Clement. 
And you're not angry, father ? 

Wedderburn. 

Angry. Now, have I ever been angry with you, 
my boy ? 

Clement. 
No, dad — never. 

Wedderburn. 
No, and a plague of a child you've been, too. 

Clement. 
[Laughing."] Ha, ha ! 

Wedderburn. 

[Taking Clement's hand and looking into his 
face.] But the only time you really hurt me, Clem, 
was when you had the fever years ago, and I sat by 
your bedside through some dreadful nights and — 
you didn't know me when I spoke to you. Ah, 
Clem ! 

Clement. 

[Putting his hand on Wedderburn's shoulder.] 
Ah, dad ! 

Wedderburn. 

However, confound that ! [Selecting a telegram 
from among his letters and looking at it through a 
gold-rimmed eye-glass.] And so she's the daughter 
of the laundress of these new chambers of yours, is 
she, Clement ? 



u6 .SWEET LAVENDER 

Clement. 

[Biting his Up.] Yes, father, but — 

Weddekburn. 
But she's very beautiful, hey ? 

Clement. 
She's very sweet, very good — 

Wedderburn. 

[Reading the telegram.']- Oh, I know, my dear 
lad — I know. 

Clement. 
Father, would you like to see her — this evening ? 
[Wedderburn returns his papers to his 
pocket and rises, putting his arm round 
Clement's shoulder. 

Wedderburn. 
Now, my dear Clement, why on earth should I 
see her ? 

Clement. 
[ Under his breath.] Father ! 

Wedderburn. 
Come, come, we'll have a bit of a jaunt together, 
you and I. They don't want me at the bank — I'm 
only a name there nowadays ; but for form's sake 
we'll run down to Barnchester in the morning, and 
then we'll cut away North and be lazy and happy. 
Look sharp ; tell your man to throw a few things 
into a portmanteau, and come back with me to the 
hotel to-night. [Taking up his hat and coat. 



SWEET LA VENDER 1 17 

Clement. 
Dad! You — you don't understand. I can 
never leave here until — Father, Lavender is to be 
my wife ! 

[Wedderburn stands for a moment thought- 
fully, then throws down his hat and coat 
and crosses to the fireplace, taking a 
cigar from his cigar-case, while Clement 
watches him. 

Wedderburx. 
Clement, my dear boy, my son, when I was a 
young man — old enough to know better, but 
a young man — I fell in love with a woman just as 
enchanting, I dare swear, as this Miss — Lavender, 
as you call her. 

Clement. 
Well, father ? 

Wedderburn. 

She was a woman in humble life but I loved her 
— dearly. But just as I was on the point of marry- 
ing her, Clem, my hard, old-fashioned common- 
sense pulled me back. 

Clement. 

Ah, sir ! — why ? 

Wedderburn. 

Why ? Why, my lady would have been all 
elbows, as we say, among the starched gentlefolks 
of Barnchester. She would have been mercilessly 
cut by the whole county, Clement. 



n8 SWEET LAVENDER 

Clement. 
Then confound the whole county, sir. 

Wedderburn. 

Oh, by all means. But the neglect would have 
soured her and made me cross, and it would have 
been a damned wretched marriage. That's all, my 
boy. [Taking Clement's hand.] But, Clem, it 
nearly broke me up at that time, and to find some 
corner to hide my love in, I made a son of the child 
of a dear dead schoolfellow of mine. 

Clement. 
Sir, I can't ever repay you. 

Wedderburn. 

Yes, you can — all the payment I want you can 
make me to-night. What I did for common-sense 
years ago you must do for me at this moment. So 
put on your hat and come along. 

[ Goes to sofa and takes up coat and hat. 

Clement. 
I — I can't, father. 

Wedderburn. 
[Sharply.'] You — you won't, you mean ? 

Clement. 
Father! 

Wedderburn. 

She or I — which is it ? 



SWEET LA VENDER 1 19 

Clement. 

God bless you for all your goodness to me, sir ; 
but she is to be my wife. 

Dick. 

[Calling from his room.'] Clemen', my boy! 
Clemen' ! 

Wedderburn. 
What's that ? 

Clement. 
[Going towards the door of Dick's room.] Hush, 
Dick! 

[The door opens, and Dick staggers on, 
flourishing the telegram which Maw has 
given him. 

Dick. 
Clemen' ! Look here ! This telegram to my 
s'licitor ! Look ! 

Clement. 
[Trying to silence him.] Be quiet, Dick ! Mr. 
Wedderburn ! 

Dick. 
Wedderburn ! 

Wedderburn. 
May I ask the name of your friend ? 

Clement. 
Richard Phenyl. We share these rooms together. 

Wedderburn. 

[Angrily, to Dick.] Then, sir, I congratulate 
you on acquiring the undivided companionship of 



120 SWEET LAVENDER 

Mr. Clement Hale, who can now accompany you to 
the gutter with all possible speed. 

Dick. 

[Indignantly.] The gurr'er ! 

Wedderburn. 

The gutter, sir — which I take to be your des- 
tination. 

Dick. 

The gurr'er ! [Handing him the telegram.'] Then 
we can give you a lift, Mr. Wedderburn. 

Clement. 
Dick, be silent ! 

Wedderburn. 

What's this mean ? [Taking the telegram. 

Dick. 

It means that Wedderbuni, Green, and Hoskett, 
bankers, of Barnchester, have s'spended paymeir ! 
Broke, sir, to atoms ! 

[There is a knocking at the outer door. 
Dick staggers up to it. Clement goes 
to Wedderburn, who stands gazing 
steadily at the telegram. 

Clement. 

Father! You know better than to believe this. 
[The knock is repeated. Wedderburn is silent.] 
Father ! 



SWEET LAVENDER 121 

[Dick opens the door and admits Mrs. Gil- 
fillian, Minnie, and Horace. The two 
former, seeing Wedderbukn, go to him, 
ivlule Horace speaks rapidly to Clement. 
Dick, leaving the door open, joins them. 

Mrs. Gilfillian. 

Geoffrey ! 

Minnie. 

Uncle ! Uncle ! [Putting her arm round his 
neck.] There's some dreadful news in the paper — 
about the bank, Uncle Geoffrey. 

Wedderburn. 

The paper — send for it ; let me see it. 

Mrs. Gilfillian. 

Geoffrey, it isn't true. 

Wedderburn. 
[With an effort.] Show me — the paper. [Hear- 
ing a movement, he turns sharply and sees Clement 
reading from a newspaper which Horace holds.] 
You have it there — give it me. Mrs. Gilfillian 
sits weeping on the sofa; Minnie stands bending 
over her consolingly. Clement gives Wedderburn 
the newspaper. After looking at the paper for a 
moment, Wedderburn, with a groan, bows his head 
upon the mantelpiece. In a smothered voiced] The 
villains ! n; ^ bnour ! Dishonour ! 

Ruth. 

[Calling softly outside.] Lavender! [She enters 
hurriedly.] Lavender ! [To Clement, seeing all 



122 SWEET LAVENDER 

but Weddeebukn.] Where is she ? I want — my 
daughter. 

[Clement disappears throug.o the curtains. 
Wedderburx, hearing Ruth's voice, 
turns, and he and Ruth come face to 
face. 

Wedderburn. 

[In a whisper.'] Ruth ! 

[They stand staring at each other. Lav- 
ender comes through the curtains. With 
an effort Ruth seizes her and goes out 
with her quickly. As they disappear 
AYedderburn puts his hand to his eyes 
and staggers, and Clement, re-entering 
at that moment, catches him as he drops 
into the armchair fainting. 

Clement. 

Father ! Father ! 



end of the second act. 



THE THIKD ACT 

The scene is the same as before, but the time is a 
week later. 

Clement, looking weary and downhearted, comes 
from his bedroom. 

Clement. 

[As he closes the door.] Father, I shall be with 
you in half-an-hour. 

[He takes up his hat, as Dick, improved 
in appearance, but without his coat, and 
wearing a housemaid' 's apron, and carry- 
ing a long carpet-broom, a dustpan, and 
a hand-broom, enters the room from the 
passage. 

Dick. 

Going out, Clement, my boy ? 

Clement. 
Why, what are you doing, Dick ? 

Dick. 

I've had a fierce, a terrible, altercation with Mrs. 
123 



124 SWEET LAVENDER 

McOstrich, the new woman downstairs; really a 
disgraceful row — on her part especially. She said 
if I hadn't been a man, she'd have struck me. Oh, 
what a change ! 

Clement. 
[Despondently. ~\ Change ! The house seems a 
hundred years older, now Lavender has gone. 

Dick. 

Yes, and a thousand years dirtier, now Ruth is 
gone. [Cheerfully.'] However, poor Mrs. Gilfillian 
and Minnie sha'n't be put about, and so I rise to 
the occasion. [Placing the dustpan and hand-broom 
on the sofa, and proceeding to turn up his shirt- 
sleeves^] I've an excellent notion of thorough 
housework, Clement, my boy. 

Clement. 
Dick, I'm ashamed of myself when I think what 
a splendid chap you've been all through this dread- 
ful week. 

Dick. 
[Good-humouredly.] Pooh! Don't talk to me, 
sir ! I certainly did prepare Mrs. Gilfillian's and 
Minnie's breakfast this morning; I don't deny that. 

Clement. 
You! 

Dick. 
My dear Clem, a man who is on familiar terms 
with every grill in Fleet Street ought to know some- 
thing about cooking. [Resting his broom against 
the armchair, he takes up a covered dish from the 



SWEET LAVENDER 125 

table.] I don't wish to put side on over a few pal- 
try foolish kidneys, but — [raising the dish-cover] 
— confound it, they haven't looked at 'em. 

Clement. 

[Inspecting the dish with Dick.] I'm afraid they 
have, Dick. 

Dick. 

[Indignantly.'] Of course ! Go on ! Blame, 
blame — but praise, oh, dear, no ! [He takes up 
the teapot, and begins to sprinkle the tea-leaves on 
the floor angrily.] If you're going out, I'll not 
detain you. I am nervous when watched. 

Clement. 

\Not heeding him.] I have to meet Mr. Maw at 
half-past ten to- hear the result of the meeting of 
the bank creditors at Barnchester yesterday. 

Dick. 

Oh! 

Clement. 

But the ship's hopelessly aground, Dick, and we 
shall never get her off again — another bump or two 
and she breaks up ; a few spars float out seaward in 
the shape of poor ruined depositors, and there's an 
end. And what an end ! Driven on to the rocks 
by a couple of rogues while the skipper is asleep 
below. There's a moral in it all, Dick. 

Dick. 
[Sprinkling the tea-leaves.] There is, Clement, 



126 SWEET LA VENDER 

my boy. The moral will possibly assume the curt 
and abbreviated form of sixpence in the pound. 

Clement. 
Ah, you're thinking of old Mr. Vipont's fortune, 
Dick — your fortune. 

Dick. 

No, I'm not ! Don't be so unjust, Clem. 

Clement. 
You'd have been a rich man. 

Dick. 

Clement, my boy, it would have been the ruin of 
me ! There is an appropriateness about a poor 
vagabond, but a wealthy vagabond is an outrage 
to society. 

Clement. 

Society makes forty thousand excuses for forty 
thousand pounds — while it lasts. 

Dick. 

It wouldn't have lasted. It might have induced 
me to keep a cellar. Don't be sorry for me, Clem ! 
Be sorry for yourself, and for your people, but not 
for a chap like me ! 

Clement. 
[ Wringing Dick's hand.] Bless you, Dick ! [Dick 
continues sprinkling the tea-leaves^ I'll hurry back 
with the result of yesterday's meeting, good or bad. 

[Clement goes to the outer door where he 
pauses. 



SWEET LAVENDER 127 

Dick. 
[Exultingly.] I think the news will be a little 
better than you expect, Clement, my boy ! [Sing- 
ing, with a few steps of a dance.] La-d-didclle ! 

La-d-diddle ! La-di-diddle-da ! 

Clement. 

[Returning.'] Oh, Dick ! 

[Dick checks himself suddenly, and comes 
down, letting the tea run out of the spout 
of the teapot. 

Dick. 
[Enquiringly.] Clement, my boy ? Oh ! 

[Replacing the teapot on the table and tak- 
* ing up the broom. 

Clement. 
[Taking a slip of paper from his waistcoat pocket.] 
I think you ought to know that I'm going to leave 
this at the newspaper office for insertion in to- 
morrow's paper. [Reading.] "Sweet Lavender." 
[Shoiving him the paper.] See, Dick? The first 
and last letters — all the rest stars. 

Dick. 

Very ingenious.' 

Clement. 

[Reading.] " R. P." (I've ventured to use your 
initials, old fellow.) "K. P. entreats his old friend 
and her daughter to communicate with him without 
delay. R. P. is distracted at their absence." 



128 SWEET LAVENDER 

Dick. 
[Dubiously taking up the long broo7n.~\ R. P. 

Clement. 

I make you figure in it, Dick, to avoid distressing 
Mr. Wedderburn while he's ill. You see, nobody 
can possibly object to your being distracted. 

Dick. 

No, no — certainly not. 

Clement. 

Whereas my poor Lavvy will understand, if ever 
she sees this, that it's I who am suffering. You 
don't mind, Dick ? 

Dick. 

My boy, delighted. 

Clement. 

[Producing Lavender's letter. ] I read her letter 
every hour of the day. To think that she imagined 
my love burnt so feebly that time or t^ Me could 
blow it out ! 

Dick. 

[Sweeping uncomfortably.'] Ah'm ! 

Clement. 

[Indignantly^ But it's so unlike her, Dick. I 
feel sure the confounded worldly philosophy was 
crammed into her dear little head bv others. 



SWEET LAVENDER 129 

Dick. 
[Sweeping wildly.] Oh ! 

Clement. 

My aunt declares it is all Mrs. Kolt's doing. 
[Returning the letter to his pocket fiercely.'] I hope 
so, for if 1 ever find out to the contrary — [Dick 
sweeps up against Clement violently.'] Confound 
you, Dick ! What are you doing ? 

Dick. 

You're hindering me ! You're delaying the house- 
work ! Go out ! 

Clement. 
Don't be angry with me. I'm going. 

[Clement goes out. 

Dick. 

[Wiping his forehead.] Phew! When he breaks 

out like that, I — 1 always break out like this. If 

he only suspected that I assisted at the cramming 

of the philosophy ! 

V\]r. Bulger comes from Clement's room 
carrying sha ving paraphernalia. 

Bulger. 

[Very dejectedly.] Good-morning, Mr. Phenyl. 
I rather fancy as Mr. Wedderburn is a trifle better 
this morning. He demanded to be shaved up, sir 
— always a sign of vitality in a gentleman. 

[Re goes to the door of Dick's hedroom. and 
has his hand on the handle, when Dick 
starts up with a cry of horror. 



130 SWEET LA PENDER 

Dick. 

Where are you going ? Come back ! 

Bulger. 

Good gracious, sir ! I understood I was to go 
once over Mr. 'Ale's chin. I perry soom lie is shar- 
ing your room ? 

Dick. 

Oh, lor', Bulger ! While Mr. Wedderbnrn is here, 
nursed by his relatives, Mr. Hale and I billet our- 
selves at Chorley's Hotel, in Surrey Street. We've 
handed that room over to Mrs. Grilfillian and her 
daughter. You should be more careful, Bulger. 

Bulger. 

I'm extremely sorry ; though, at the worst, I 
daresay as an old family man, I could have passed 
it off with a pleasantry. 

[There is a rat-tat at the outer door. 

Dick. 

The doctor, /know. 

Bulger. 

I'll go, sir. Xo noos of Mrs. Bolt, Mr. Phenyl ? 

Dick. 
[Taking off his apron and putting on his coat.] 
No, Bulger. 

Bulger. 
[Sighing.] Ah! 

[Bulger opens the door and admits Dr. 
Delaney, then goes out. 



SWEET LAVENDER 131 

Dr. Delaney. 

[As he enters.'] Thank ye, thank ye. [Shaking 
hands with Dick.] It's Mr. Phenyl. And how's 
our friend Wedderburn this delightful morning ? 

Dick. 

Urn — pretty well for a man who appears to 
grow a year older every day. 

Dr. Delaney. 

You don't say that ? 

Dick. 

I do. It seems to me, Doctor Delaney, that your 
patient is aging on the tobogganing principle. 

Dr. Delaney. 

[Thoughtfully.] Ah — urn ! 

Dick. 
[Enthusiastically.] But the ladies, doctor ! They 
come out gloriously. 

Dr. Delaney. 

Bless 'em, they always do. 

Dick. 

1 wouldn't have believed it of aunt — Mrs. Gil- 
fill ian. But she seems to have bought the good- 
will ami fixtures of the business. formerly carried 
on by Miss Nightingale. 

Dr. Delaney. 
My dear Mr. Phenyl, all ladies are aloike when 



132 SWEET LAVENDER 

trouble takes their hair a little out of curl. It's 
vanity and self-consciousness that spoil a woman, 
sir ; but when once she says to herself, " I don't 
care a pin how I look," Heaven takes care that she 
shall look like an angel. However, that's no busi- 
ness of moine. I'll see Wedderburn. 

Dick. 

Oh, Doctor Delaney! 

Dr. Delaney. 

What is it ? 

Dick. 
Do you observe any marked improvement in me? 

Dr. Delaney. 

Ah, I'm forgettin' you entirely. [Feeling Dick's 
pulse.] What news ? 

Dick. 

[In a whisper.] Not a drop for seven days. 
That's a fearful drought, eh ? 1 hesitate even at 
gravy. 

Dr. Delaney. 

And how do you feel ? 

Dick. 

A -little weak, doctor — a little diluted. But I'm 
firm. 

Dr. Delaney. 

Ah, you'll do very well. Mind, now, don't think 
about it — and take plenty of exercise, 



SWEET LAVENDER 133 

[Delaney raps at the door leading to Clem- 
ent's room then opens it, and goes out. 

Dick. 
Exercise ! [Removing his coat, then seizing his 
broom arid sweeping violently.] Exercise! [Wish- 
ing his brow again.] Phew ! This is rather dry 
and dusty for my complaint. [Sweeping.] But 
it's exercise. 

[Minnie, dressed and simply wearing a pretty 
ivhite apron, comes from Dick's room. 

Minnie. 

Oh, Mr. Phenyl, what are you doing ? 

Dick. 

[Panting. ~] Making up Doctor Delaney 's pre- 
scription. Please return to your room for a quarter 
of an hour, Miss Gilfillian. 

Minnie. 

\_Ret renting.'] Oh. the dust ! [Taking up the 
hand-broom and dustpan from the sofa.] And look 
here ! 

[Dick sweeps again. Mrs. Gilfillian, 
plainly dressed, and without her curls, 
comes from Clement's room. 

Mrs. Gilfillian. 
Mercy on us ! What's this ? 

[She throws open the window. 

Minnie. 

[Laughing.'] Mr, Phenyl is sweeping, mamma. 



134 SWEET LA VENDER 

Mrs. Gilfillian. 

Sweeping! Where's that woman McOstrich? 

Dick. 
I regret to say that Mrs. McOstrich is in a condi- 
tion of matutinal inebriation. 

Mrs. Gilfillian. 
Ugh, how horrible ! 

Minnie. 

Oh, ma, how shocking ! 

Dick. 

Ah ! ladies, it is far more shocking to one who 
may claim some affinity with the misguided person 
now occupying the basement. 

Mrs. Gilfillian. 

Ah'm ! 

Minnie. 
{Kindly.] Oh, Mr. Phenyl ! [To herself.] Poor 
man ! 

Mrs. Gilfillian. 
But this isn't sweeping, Mr. Phenyl — this is 
stirring up. 

Dick. 
[Penitently.'] No, Mrs. Gilfillian, it is sweeping. 
It is a shame-faced effort to sweep away a pecu- 
liarly useless and discreditable career. It is also an 
attempt to throw dust in the eyes of two good- 
natured ladies — that being the only method by 
which I can hope to obtain their good opinion. 



SWEET LAVENDER 135 

Mrs. Gilfillian. 

Bless the man ! Take his broom away, Minnie 

— take his broom away ! 

[Minnie takes the broom from Dick and goes 
out with it. 

Mrs. Gilfillian. 
I wonder if I can guess what you allude to, Mr. 
Phenyl. 

Dick. 

[Resuming his coat.] Ah'm ! I'll allow you 
three guesses, ma'am. 

Mrs. Gilfillian. 
On the night we heard of our misfortune we saw 
you rather — at a disadvantage. 

Dick. 
Done, first time. I suppose I presented a shock- 
ing spectacle. 

Mrs. Gilfillian. 

H'm ! Well, that's a week ago, Mr. Phenyl. 
Now, Rome wasn't built in a day, but you can make 
a new man* out of unpromising material in a week 

— and a new woman too — sometimes. Mr. Phenyl, 
I'm not the woman I was a week ago — am I ? 

Dick. 

[Hesitating.] Well — 

Mrs. Gilfillian. 

[Sharply.] Am I, sir ? 



136 SWEET LAVENDER 

Dick. 
No. 

Mrs. Gilfillian. 

I'm sure I'm not. Now I've lost all my mone} r 
by the failure of the Barnch ester Bank, but some- 
how I've felt in a kinder temper the last week than 
I have for years. So I think, Mr. Phenyl, to some 
natures even bankruptcy may be a blessing. 

Dick. 

Well, they both beg-in with a B. 

Mrs. Gilfillian. 

As for you, my poor brother likes you — says you 
read the paper to him so intelligently. [Holding 
out her hand to him.] And /like you. There, sir! 

Dick. 

[Taking her hand gratefully.] My dear aunt ! I 
beg your pardon — my dear Mrs. Giltillian. 

Minnie enters carrying two dusters. 

Mrs. Gilfillian. 

So we'll forget a week ago, Mr. Phenyl, for good. 
And if at any time you feel you want — a cup of 
cocoa, I know an old nurse who'll make it for you. 
[Taking a duster from Minnie.] Come, child, let's 
get rid of some of Mr. Phenyl's dust. 

Dick. 

[To himself] Aunt ! Who'd have thought it ? 
Aunt ! [There is a rat-tat-tat at the outer door. 



SWEET LAVENDER 137 

Mrs. Gilfillian. 

[In a whisper.] We're not visible, Mr. Phenyl, 
to anybody. 

Dick. 

[Going. ~] No, certainly not. 

Minnie. 

[In a whisper.] We're out, Mr. Phenyl — shop- 
ping. 

Dick. 

[Drawing the curtain, over the opening.] I should 
rather think you were. 

Minnie. 

[To Dick.] Hush! 

[Dick disappears behind the curtain and 
opens the door, while Mrs. Gilfillian 
and Minnie stand listening. 

Dick. 

[At the door.] How d'ye do ? How d'ye do ? 

Mrs. Gilfillian. 
[To Minnie, in a whisper.] Who is it ? 

Dick. 

[Out of sight.] No — went out shopping about 
ten minutes ago. 

Minnie. 

[To Mrs. Gilfillian.] I don't know. 



138 SWEET LA VENDER 

Dick. 

You'll find them both in the Lowther Arcade. 
Oh! 

[The curtain is pushed aside and Horace 
Bream enters. 

Horace. 

[As he enters.~\ Smoke a cigar with you, Mr. 
Phenyl, till they return. 

Minnie and Mrs. Gilfillian. 
Oh ! [Minnie throws away her duster. 

Horace. 

[Seizing their hands.'] My dear Mrs. Gilfillian ! 
My dear Miss Gilfillian ! 

[Dick returns much discomposed, gesticu- 
lating to Mrs. Gilfillian and Minnie. 

Dick. 

[Helplessly .] Would come in ! 

Horace. 

I am perfectly delighted to find that my friend 
Phenyl was mistaken. I'm much earlier to-day 
than usual. 

[Minnie embarrassed, shakes her head at 
Horace. 

Mrs. Gilfillian. 
Earlier than usual ! 



SWEET LA VENDER 139 

Horace. 

[Not seeing Minnie's signs.] Yes. I invariably 
call to inquire after Mr. Wedderburn during the 
afternoon. 

Minnie. 

[Turning away.] Oh ! 

Horace. 
I shall be here again this afternoon. 

Mrs. Gilfillian. 
I haven't heard of your calling at all ! 

Minnie. 

[Confused.] Oh, yes, mamma, Mr. Bream has 
made the — usual — inquiries during the week, 
generally while you have been resting. His cards 
are somewhere. 

Horace. 

Oh, yes ; my cards are somewhere. 
Dr. Delaney enters. 

Mrs. Gilfillian. 

[Angrily to herself, at Horace.] Oh, this man ! 
[She goes to Delaney and they talk together. 

Minnie. 

[Eyeing Horace.] (Oh! now he knows that 
mamma didn't know. [To Horace with dignity.] 
I hope, Mr. Bream, that you will forgive Mr. 



i 4 o SWEET LAVENDER 

Phenyl's lack of candour in telling you that 
mamma and I were out shopping. 

Dick. 

[To himself.'] Oh! 

Minnie. 

Perhaps it would have been better if he had 
explained that we don't receive visitors at this 
time of trouble and anxiety. 

Dick. 
[Aghastr] I — why, you — I mean — There 
now. 

Horace. 

[Surprised, to Minnie.] Why, Minnie — [Site 
draws herself up and looks frowningl //.] Miss 
Gilhllian, I never suspected that the happy hour 
we have passed together every afternoon this 
week, has been on my part an intrusion and on 
yours a — 

Minnie. 

Oh — I — I've made every excuse for you — 
knowing that you're an American. In trying to 
avoid formality, perhaps I've been a little — a 
little — a little — 

Horace. 

[Reproachfully.'] Well, a little — 

[Dr. Delaney comes over to Minnie. 

Dr. Del axe v. 

[Quietly to Minnie.] I've a word or two to say 
to Mr. Phenyl. I don't want your dear mother to 
hear, 



SWEET LAVENDER 141 

[Minnie nods to Dr. Delaney, and goes to 
where Mrs. Gllfillian is sitting. 

Horace. 
[Following, taps Dick on the shoulder.'] Mr. 
Phenyl. 

Dick. 
[Looking up.] Eh ? 

Dr. Delaney. 

[Bending over him.'] I fancy there's something 
worrying Mr. Wedderburn. 

Dick. 

Well, I should think so ! 

Dr. Delaney. 

What is it ? 

Dick. 
Sixpence in the pound. 

Dr. Delaney. 

Ah, I mean something not connected with divi- 
dends at all. [Drawing Dick a little nearer.] Mr. 
Phenyl, I hear that Wedderburn has been rambling 
a little about the woman who used to live down- 
stairs — talking about her in his sleep. 

Dick. 

Ah, I dare say. His boy is in love with her 
daughter, and that troubles him. 

Dr. Delaney. 
So Mrs. Gilfillian explains. But, Mr. Phenyl, 
doesn't it strike you as rather odd that Mr. Wedder- 



142 SWEET LAVENDER 

burn should dream less of his bankruptcy than of 
the woman whom I hear he happened to meet in 
this room a week ago, and who disappeared imme- 
diately afterwards ? 

Dick. 
[Startled.] Eh? Why, what — ? 

Dr. Delaney. 

Be quiet ! 

Mrs. Gilfillian. 
[Rising.'] Minnie,. I mustn't waste my time any 
longer. 

Dr. Delaney. 
[Turning to the /others.] One moment, one mo- 
ment ! I've got another patient here. Mr. Phenyl 
has as much right to be ill as any of ye. 

Dick. 

[To himself.] What's he driving at. 

[Mrs. Gilfillian, Minnie, and Horace 
continue talking. 

Dr. Delaney. 

Now, mee dear Mr. Phenyl, you have been 
acquainted with this Mrs. Eolt for many years. 
Do you know her history, sir ? 

Dick. 

[Agitatedly.] No — yes — a small portion of it. 

Dr. Delaney. 

Thank ye. The small portion of a woman's his- 
tory which she confides to another is generally the 



SWEET LAVENDER 143 

Index. Now may I ask if the Index in your pos- 
session goes down to the letter " W " ? 

Dick. 

[Sinking into the armchair with his hand to his 
forehead.'] Wedderburn ! Good gracious ! The 
possibility never struck me ! Oh ! 

Dr. Delaney. 
But you perceive the possibility ? 

Dick. 

Don't pump me, Dr. Delaney, please ! Confound 
it, you wouldn't ask me to betray a woman's confi- 
dence, by even a hint ! 

Dr. Delaney. 

Not for the worrld ! [Talcing Dick's hand.] 
Besides, afther all, perhaps this is no business of 
moine. Good-morning, Mr. Phenyl. [To himself, 
as he takes up his hat.] (Now, if my theory is cor- 
rect I wonder if I could contrive to do a little good 
to a miserable man and an unhappy woman by a 
bold stroke ? I'm inclined for the experiment. 
Mrs. Gilnllian — 

Mrs. Gilfillian. 
Yes, doctor ? 

Dr. Delaney. 

[Taking her hand.] I've been thinking I shall 
have you and your pretty daughter on my hands if 
I don't take better care of ye. 



144 SWEET LA VENDER 

Mrs. Gilfilliax. 

There, there — Minnie shall go into the Park 
every afternoon. 

Dr. Delaxey. 
Yes, and Minnie's mamma too. And so I've 
arranged to send ye one of the dear good ladies 
from my beautiful new Home. 

Mrs. Gilfilliax. 
Now, Doctor Delaney, I've told you — 

Dr. Delaxey. 

[Persuasively.'] Ah, now, just to enable you to 
get the amount of fresh air which every woman in 
her prime requires. 

Mrs. Gilfilliax. 

Well, do as you like, doctor. 

Dr. Delaxey. 

[Shaking hands.'] I'll do that. Good-morning. 

Mrs. Gilfilliax, Mixxie, and Horace. 

Good-morning. 

Mrs. Gilfilliax. 
[Going to Dick.] But your nurse won't get a 
very cordial reception here, I'm afraid. 

Dr. Delaxey. 

[To himself.] Now that's just the point I'm a 
little curious about. [He bustles out. 



StVEE T LA I ENDER 145 

Mrs. Gilfillian. 
I'll go to a Registry Office at once and hire a handy 
girl, if there's one in London. I won't have that 
degraded woman McQstrich in these rooms again. 
[Turning sharply •, she sees Minnie and Horace close 
together.^ Minnie ! 

[Horace leaves Minnie quickly, and thrusts 
himself half out of the window. 

Minnie. 

Mamma! 

Mrs. Gilfillian. 

[Severely. ~\ When Mr. Bream has terminated his 
visit, perhaps in this hour of emergency yon will 
remember there is such a place as the pantry. 

[Mrs. Gilfillian goes into Dick's room, 
which she is noiv occupying. Minnie 
looks towards Horace, whose body is half 
out of the window, then at Dick, then at 
her hands. 

Minnie. 
\J3ighing.~] Washing up is awfully trying for 
one's hands. 

Dick. 

I'll help — shall I ? 

Minnie. 

What a good-natured man you are, Mr. Phenyl ! 
I'm so sorry I scolded you. 



Dick. 



Delighted. 



146 SWEET LA VENDER 

Minnie. 

But it was quite necessary to read Mr. Bream a 
lesson. 

Dick. 
Oh, quite. 

Minnie. 
But I couldn't think of allowing you to assist to 
wash up. I've got to be domesticated now, and I'd 
better begin at the degrading part. 

Dick. 

Well, look here — let's halve it. One of us will 
wash, the other will wipe. 

Minnie. 

[Glancing towards Horace, abstractedly. ~\ It's 
very thoughtful of you. 

Dick. 

Not at all — I take it for exercise. But mind, 
I'm only an amateur. 

Minnie. 

Not letting anything drop is the great secret. 
Which will you do, wash or wipe ? 

Dick. 
I'll do the wettest — that is, the wetter of the two. 

Minnie. 
You are good-natured — but both are equally un- 
pleasant. 

Dick. 
Let's nutter for who does which. 



SWEET LAVENDER 147 

Minnie. 

Mutter ! 

Dick. 
Toss up a coin. 

Minnie. 

[Glancing towards Horace — with dignity. ,] Oil 
no, thank you, I couldn't do that. [Seeing Horace 
is still leaning out of the window.^ Be quick, I 
don't mind. 

Dick. 

[Producing a penny.~\ Not, then. Britannia 
washes, and the Queen wipes. [Throwing np a 
coin, and catching it smartly — to himself ] I'm 
really very much better. [To Minnie.] Miss Gil- 
fillian — sudden death — you cry. 

Minnie. 

What? 

Dick. 
[Solemnly. ,] Sudden death — you cry. 

Minnie. 

Oh, how unkind of you to suggest such things 
when Uncle Geoffrey is so unwell. 

Dick. 

You misunderstand me ! I mean, you guess — 
head or tail. 

Minnie. 
[With dignity. ,] Oh, head please. 

Dick. • 

[Referring to his coin.~\ Woman — you wash. 



148 SWEET LAVENDER 

Minnie. 

[Disappointed.] The other is a little drier. 

Dick. 

Very well, just as you like. 

Minnie. 

You are a good-natured man. [Looking towards 
Horace.] Mr. Bream is oblivious of everybody's 
existence. 

Dick. 

\_Knowingly.~\ He doesn't know that aunt — that 
Mrs. Gilfillian — has gone. 

Minnie. 
Mr. Phenyl ! 

Dick. 

I didn't tell tales about you, did I ? 

Minnie. 

Really, Mr. Phenyl, I wish you wouldn't make 
such inferences. I won't trouble you, thank you. 
[She goes out indignantly. 

Dick. 

[ Calling after her, penitently. ] I beg your pardon, 
Miss Gilfillian. [Disconsolately.~\ I'm always put- 
ting my foot in it. [Snatching up a ball of wool 
from the work-basket on the table, and hurling it at 
Horace's back.] It's his fault! [Following Min- 
nie.] Miss Gilfillian. 

[Dick goes out, Horace leaves the window 
and picks zip the ball of wool. 



SWEET LAVENDER 149 

Horace. 

Hallo ! Why, she must have thrown this ! Ah, 
how playful she is at times. I bear no ill-will 
towards Mrs. Gilrillian, but what a gay, high-spirited 
girl Minnie would be if she were a thoroughly 
qualified orphan. [Looking round.'] I guess she's 
hiding; around here somewhere. 



o 



[Minnie appears in the passage opening, 
wiping a cup. She peeps into the room 
and comes face to face with Horace. 

Horace. 
[Triumphantly holding up the ball of wool.] Ha ! 
Ha! You imagined I didn't see you throw this, 
but I did. 

Minnie. 
[Coldly.'] I! Really, Mr. Bream ! Excuse me, 
I'm occupied in the pantry. 

Horace. 
May I join you in the pantry ? 

Minnie. 

Oh, no, certainly not ; bu4—i£-~ you'll wait here, 
mamma won't be long. 

[She retires, drawing the curtain over the 
opening in Horace's face. 

Horace. 
[Angrily.] Mamma! Mamma! I am becoming 
desperate. I can't sleep — T can't eat — I can't live 
on anything but hope, and this girl is just starving 
me. 



150 SWEET LAVENDER 

[Sitting disconsolately, and looking up as 
Minnie draws aside the curtain and 
enters. 

Minnie. 
Ah ! [Demurely.] Excuse me. I've come to fetch 
something. 

[He rises. She goes right round the room 
to the table. 

Horace. 
Minnie ! 

Minnie. 
Mr. Bream ! 

\_She takes up the tray with the breakfast 
things — and he intercepts her. 

Horace. 

I think you are the cruellest girl in this — old 
country. 

Minnie. 

When one meets reverses and becomes poor, one 
must expect to lose the good opinion of — friends. 

Horace. 

[Taking the other side of the tray and holding it 
with his hands over hers.'] I don't call myself a 
friend, Minnie. 

Minnie. 

[Sarcastically.] Indeed? Of course one doesn't 
know who are one's friends. Oh, you are hurting 
my hands, Mr. Bream. 

Horace. 
[Earnestly.] You have never permitted me to be 
a friend. But you know perfectly well 1 am a — 



SWEET LAVENDER 151 

MlNXIE. 

An acquaintance. 

Horace. 
No — a lover. 

Minnie. 
Mr. Bream — sir ! 

Horace. 
[Emphatically, ,] I repeat, a lover — a lover — 
a lover. There, I've said it. 

Minnie. 

Having said it, will you allow me to carry out 
the tray ? 

Horace. 
Permit me ? [He takes the tray and places it on 
the table. She passes him, and is going out when he 
turns quickly, and taking her hand draws her baric, 
into the room.'] That's not* fair. You must say 
Yes to-day, or — I — 

Minnie. 

Or you start for New York next Saturday — T 
know. You were going to start for New York next 
Saturday when we first met you, months ago, if you 
remember. 

Horace. 

Remember ! My heart keeps a diary in red ink. 
Why don't you like me, Minnie ? 

Minnie. 

How unjust ! I like you as much as I can ever 
like — any foreigner. 

Horace. 
Foreigner! 



152 SWEET LAVENDER 

Minnie. 

I am essentiall}' English, you know. 

Horace. 
Oh, yes. The Wedderburns were originally 
Scotch, I believe. 

MlNNIE. 

Yes, I know, but — 

Horace. 
And your father was an Irishman. 

Minnie. 
I know — certainly — but — 

Horace. 
But you're essentially English. Ah, don't make 
this an international ^question. If you marry me, 
I'll wear Scotch tweed, and you'll never find out 
the difference between — 

Minnie. 
Oh, thank you. I'm deeply sensible of the hon- 
our you pay me, but I really could not marry an 
American. 

Horace. 
Why, you don't mind flirting with one. 

Minnie. 

[Indignantly.^ Oh ! 

Horace. 

You know you're a veiy differenc girl on the 
stairs while your mother is asleep on this sofa. 



SWEET LA VENDER 153 

Minnie. 

And this is my reward for not disturbing mamma ! 
Only an American would throw stairs in a girl's face. 

Horace. 
Miss Gilfillian, you are like the typical English 
gentleman who says, "Give me a home-made 
watch " ! Nobody does give it to him, but he pays 
sixty guineas for one, has his crest carved on it, 
and is borne down on one side with the weight of 
it for years. When it is not being cleaned, it en- 
ables him to lose his train. At last it is stolen 
from him in the crowd — so he swears a little, buys 
a cheap American timepiece, and lives happily. 
Miss Gilfillian, perhaps some day when you have 
won and worn your home-made husband you'll give 
a thought to the cheap but reliable American who 
has now the honour to wish you good-bye. 

Minnie. 

I — I shall not say good-bye, or anything, after 
such — un kindness. To — to — to be called a flirt ! 
A flirt ! Oh, dear, it's so hard ! 

[She takes up the tray from the table and 
backs towards Horace, ivho suddenly puts 
his arm round her waist. 



Horace. 



Ah, forgive me 



Minnie. 

Forgive you ! After such a cruel charge ! Re- 
move your arm, Mr. Bream ! 



154 SWEET LAVENDER 

Horace. 
[Clasping her to him.'] I can't, Minnie, I can't. 

Minnie. 
And you know / can't drop the tray. [Strug- 
gling slight!//.'] Oh, how un-English! [Calling.] 
Mr. Phenyl! 

Dick. 
[Outside.] Yes! 

[Dick enters wiping a plate, and Horace 
retreats hastily. 

Minnie. 

Take this, dear Mr. Phenyl. 

Dick. 

[Taking the tray.] With pleasure. 

[Minnie looks indignantly at Horace. 
Mrs. Gilfillian enters, dressed for 
going out. 

Mrs. Gilfillian. 
[Looking from one to the other.] Minnie ! 

Minnie. 
[Embarrassed.] I — I'm teaching Mr. Phenyl 
how to wash up, mamma. 

Dick. 
[To himself] Oh, I like that ! 

[Dick carries out the tray. 



SIVEE T LA VENDER 1 5 5 

Mrs. Gilfillian. 

[To herself.] (That young man still here) [To 
Horace.] Mr. JBream, I shall be much obliged if 
you'll give me your arm across the Strand. 

Horace. 

Certainly ! It will be the last opportunity I shall 
have of rendering you even so slight a service. 

[Minnie turns, listening. 

Mrs. Gilfillian. 

Indeed ! 

Horace. 

I start for N'York — [emphatically'] — on Wed- 
nesday. [Minnie gives a stifled exclamation. 

Mrs. Gilfillian. 

We're very sorry — though, perhaps, you have 
been wasting your time rather sadly. 

Horace. 

That notion has just struck me. Please say fare- 
well for me to everybody. [Mtnnte looks at him 
wistfully.'] And tell Mr. Wedderburn that I have 
called every day this past week [looking at Min- 
nie] solely to enquire after him. 

[Minnie retreats to the window-seat. 

Mrs. Gilfillian. 
[Dubiously.] Urn ! I'm quite ready, Mr. Bream. 

[She goes out, 



156 SWEET LAVENDER 

Horace. 
[Bowing profoundly to Mixxie.] Good-bye, Miss 
Gilfillian. 

[She rises with downcast eyes, and makes 
him a stately courtesy. 

MlXXIE. 

[In a low voice.'] Good-bye, Mr. Bream. 

[She resumes her seat, looking out of the 
window. He goes to the door. 

Horace. 
[To Dick, shaking hands.] Good-bye, Mr. 
Phenyl : sha'n't see you again on this side, sir. 

[He folloics Mrs. Gilfilliax; Dick closes 
the door after them. 

MlXXIE. 

[Tearfully.'] Oh, I didn't mean it! I didn't 
mean it ! Oh, come back, Horace ! Horace ! 

[She sits at the writing-table, and writes 
rapidly. Dick comes into the room, 
polishing a teaspoon. 

Dick. 
[Eyeing Mixxie.] Nice girl — but I am both 
washing and wiping. 

Mixxie. 

[ Writing.] ' " Never — start — for New York — 
without me — Horace." [Rising with the note in her 



SWEET LA VENDER 1 57 

hand.] Give me something heavy, to weight this ! 
[Snatching the spoon from Dick.] That'll do. 

Dick. 

Eh? 

[She screws up the spoon in the paper and 
runs up to the window.] 

Minnie. 

[Looking out of the. window. ~\ Ah ! [Calling 
softly.'] Horace ! Horace ! 

[She throws out the spoon and paper. 

Dick. 

[To himself] That spoon belonged to my poor 
mother. 

Minnie. 
[ Withdrawing from the window hastily.] Oh ! 

Mamma's got it. 

Dick. 
Glad to hear it. 

Minnie. 
Oh, Mr. Phenyl, run after Mr. Bream ! 

Dick. 

[Catching up his hat.] Certainly. [Giving her 
the cloth he carries.'] You go on with the wiping. 
What shall I say ? 

Minnie. 

Say I want him to inquire after Uncle Geoffrey 
as usual, 



158 SWEET LAVENDER 

Dick. 

[Opening the door.] I know — half-past three 
on the landing. 

Minnie. 

No, no ! Mr. Phenyl ! How dare yon ! [Dick 
returns, leaving the door open.'] You needn't go, 
thank you. [Returning to the window-seat.^ I 

won't humble myself ! I won't ! 

[Lavender appears- outside the door. SJie 
peeps in, then comes into the room, and, 
seeing Dick, litters a cry and advances to 
him. 

Lavender. 
Mr. Phenyl ! 

Dick. 

[Embracing her. ~\ Lavvy ! [Excitedly, .] Why, 
Lavvy, where have you come from ? where are you 
going to ? what are you doing ? where's your 
mother ? Why don't you answer me, Lavvy ? 
Here — what — oh ! 

Minnie. 

[Coming from the window.~\ Lavender ! 

Lavender. 

[Going to her.'] Oh, Miss Gilfillian! Miss 
Gilfillian ! 

Minnie. 

[Taking Lavender in her arms — to Dick.] 
Shut the door ! [Dick goes to the door and closes 



SWEET LAVENDER 159 

it. Minnie places Lavender in the armchair, and 
removes her hat.~\ Oh, poor Clement ! How happy 
he will be ! How happy he will be ! 

Dick. 

[Returning breathlessly.'] I was about to put a 
question to you, Lavvy. Where have you come 
from ? where are you — 

Minnie. 

Oh, hush, Mr. Phenyl ! Lavender will tell me. 
[Tenderly. ~] Where have you come from, dear ? 

Dick. 
My question ! 

Lavender. 

[Faintly. ] I've come from Miss Morrison's 
School at Highgate, where mother took me when 
we left here. I — I've run away, Miss G-ilfillian. 

Dick. 

Eun away ! 

Minnie. 
Hush, Mr. Phenyl ! 

Dick. 

Yes, but run away ! 

Minnie. 
Be quiet ! 

Dick. 
Eun away. 



160 SWEET LAVENDER 

Minnie. 
Hush! 

Dick. 

Well, but — run away. That's pretty serious. 

Lavender. 

I've seen a newspaper with something in it 
about a great misfortune happening to — Mr. 
Wedderburn's bank, and how his partners have 
cheated and ruined him. And I know that, if Mr. 
Wedderburn is poor, Mr. Hale is poor; and I can't 
rest till I've found out if it's true. Is Mr. Hale 
poor, Miss Gilfillian ? 

Minnie. 

Yes, we're all poor now, Lavvy. 

Lavender. 

Oh, Clement ! 

Minnie. 
Even I do the work your little hands used to do. 

Dick. 

/ wash up. 

Minnie. 
Hush, Mr. Phenyl, please. 

Dick. 

But why didn't you drop a line to me quietly, 
Lavvy ? There'll be awful trouble over this. 

Lavender. 
I began a letter to Clement yesterda}^, and the 
girl who lent rae the paper and the envelope told 



SWEET LA VENDER 161 

Miss Morrison, who scolded me dreadfully. But I 
got out of the house. If it had been a prison, Miss 
Gilfillian, I should have got out, now that Mr. Hale 
is in trouble. 

Dick. 

Here's a pretty kettle o' fish ! You know you'll 
have to be sent back, Lavvy. 

Minnie. 

Nothing of the kind. 

Lavender. 
I'll go back when I've seen him for five minutes. 

Minnie. 

[Indignantly.'] Mr. Phenyl, you're positively 
heartless ! 

Dick. 

[Piteously.] Heartless! /heartless! You don't 
know what I know. I mean, I'm a man ; you're 
only a couple of girls — a girl and a half I may say. 
[ With his hand to his head.] Oh ! Where's Ruth's 
secret going to now ! 

Minnie. 

I admire your spirit, Lavender, if Mi;. Phenyl 
doesn't. 

Lavender. 

Ah, I've no spirit at all, Miss Gilfillian. [Minnie 
takes her in her arms and caresses her.] But mother 
hid me away because I was too poor and humble 
fur Mr. Hale — and so I was a week ago. But now 



162 SWEET LA VENDER 

everything's changed, and it would be dreadful if 
he said to himself : " Lavender was taken from me 
because I was rich, yet she can't find her own way 
back now that I'm in need." 

MlNNIE. 

[Enthusiastically.'] Clem shall hear that from 
your lips within an hour ! 

Dick. 
[Sharply.] No, he sha'n't. 

Minnie. 
[Hotly.'] He shall, Mr. Phenyl. 

Lavender. 
Why, Mr. Phenyl, you used not to be unkind to 
me. 

Dick. 

[Falter ingly.] No, Lavvy, but neither of us is 
your mother. We must always consult our mothers. 

Minnie. 
[Glaring at Dick.] Where is your mother, 
Lavvy ? 

Dick. 
[Glaring back at Minnie.] Another of my 
questions ! 

Lavender. 
I mustn't tell anybody — I've promised. 

Minnie. 

Very well. All you require in this matter is a 
friend. 



SWEET LAVENDER 163 

Dick. 

[Putting his arm round Lavender.] I quite 
agree with you, Miss Gilfillian — a friend. 

Minnie. 

[Putting her arm round Lavender.] A protector. 

Dick. 
Yes, somebody who wasn't born two or three 
weeks ago. 

Minnie. 
I'm of age. 

Dick. 
Well, look at me. 

Minnie. 
But you're not a woman ! 

Dick. 

As it happens — as it happens ! 

[A gong bell is heard striking twice. 

Minnie. 
[To Dick, triumphantly, ,] Ha ! ha ! Uncle Wed- 
derburn's bell — twice! It's for you to read the 
newspaper. 

Lavender. 
[Frightened.'] Is Mr. Wedderburn here? 

MlNNTE. 

[Gaily.'] Yes, we're all here. Run along, Mr. 
Phenyl. 



164 SWEET LA VENDER 

Dick. 

[Enraged."] Miss Gilfillian, you will regret this 
interference. 

Minnie. 

[With her arm round Lavender's waist, sauc Hi/.'] 
Regret is a woman's natural food, Mr. Phenyl — 
she thrives on it. 

Dick. 

Till it becomes remorse, Miss Gilfillian. 

Minnie. 

Which is only a mild form of indigestion. 

Dick. 

[Furiously.] Oh ! 

[He goes into Clement's room. 

Minnie. 

[Triumphantly. ] Ha, ha ! [A ssistin g Lavender 
to put on her hat.] Now for poor Clem. 

Lavender. 

Oh, yes — where is he ? 

Minnie. 

Gone to the lawyer's. We'll run out and meet 
him on his way home, and then we'll sit down in 
the gardens. 

Lavender. 

What makes you so kind ? 



SWEET LA VENDER 165 

Minnie. 
A fellow-feeling. I'm unhappy in my love, too. 

Lavender. 

[Putting her arms round Minnie's neck.'] Oh ! 
Tell me. 

Minnie. 

He's Mr. Bream. I said "No" to him, and he 
believed me, in a foolish American way he has. 

Lavender. 

Oh, we ought always to speak the truth. Why, 
directly Clement asked me, I said " Yes." 

Minnie. 

Well, Lavvy, at a big dinner the sweets are always 
brought round twice, and 1 thought — I thought — 
[Whimpering.'] I'm a wretched girl. 

Lavender. 

[Affectionately.] Don't cry ! Don't cry ! 

Minnie. 

I forgot that if the sweets do come round again, 
other ladies have been digging spoons in. 

Lavender. 
Is he far away ? 

Minnie. 

Yes — he's in the Strand now. 

Lavender. 

Let us go after him with Clement. 



1 66 SWEET LA VENDER 

Minnie. 
But wouldn't that look as if — ? 

Lavender. 

Yes, it would rather look as if — 

Minnie. 

Oh, then, I couldn't. 

Lavender. 
Yes, but if we met him we could walk past. 

Minnie. 

[Hugging Lavender.] Oh, you darling ! I'm 
so fond of you. 

The door of Clement's room opens, and Geoffrey 
Wedderburn enters, followed by Dick, carry- 
ing some books and newspapers under his arm. 
Wedderburn looks much older than before, his 
Jiair being grey and his voice and manner feeble. 

Minnie. 
[To Lavender.] Uncle Geoffrey! 

Lavender. 
[Clinging to Minnie.] Oh! 

Dick. 

[To himself] Oh, dear ! 

[Dick ivaves the girls aivay. Wedder- 
burn walks slowly. 



SWEET LAVENDER 167 

Weddeeburn. 
[Seeing Minnie.] Ah, Minnie, my dear. 

Minnie. 

[Going to him.] Why, uncle ! 

i 
Wedderburn. 

{Tatting her cheek.] Ah, I can't submit to be 
nursed and cosseted any longer. I — I — shall go 
down to Barnchester to-morrow to face the people, 
and — and to see about other things. [Seeing 
Lavender.] Who's that young lady, my dear? 

Minnie. 
[Bringing Lavender forward.'] This is — a 
friend of mine, uncle. 

[Wedderburn holds out his hand. Lav- 
ENDER^fe her hand in his, timidly. 

Wedderburn. 

I'm very glad to see Minnie's friend. 

Lavender. 

[With a courtesy.] Thank you, sir. 

Wedderburn. 
I've been rather ill, my dear, but the doctor says 
I may go into the gardens while the sun is out. 
Will you walk on one side of me, with Minnie on 
the other ? 

Lavender. 
I — I would, sir — if my mother would let me. 



1 68 SWEET LAVENDER 

TVedderburn. 

Your mamma will let you if she's a kind mamma. 
If not, I shall have to put up with Mr. Richard. 

[Dick assists Wedderburn into the arm- 
chair. 

Wedderburn. 

[Gratefully, to Dick.] And Mr. Richard's a 
dreadful fellow — such a bear. Aren't you, Rich- 
ard—eh ? 

Minnie. 

\_In a whisper to Lavender, pointing to the door 
of Dick's room.~\ That's my room, now. Come 
with me. [The two girls go out quietly. 

Dick. 

\_To himself looking after Minnie and Laven- 
der.] Girls will do anything. I begin to have a 
better opinion of myself, now that I've mixed more 

with girls. 

< 

Wedderburn. 
Now, then, Mr. Richard. 

Dick. 
[Talcing tip a newspaper. .] What'll you have, sir ? 

Wedderburn. 

Anything referring to the failure of Wedder- 
burn's bank ? 



SWEET LAVENDER 169 

Dick. 

[Opening the paper uncomfortably. To himself ,] 
Ahem! This daily invention of favourable com- 
ments on Wedderburn's neglect of his business 
rather taxes my imagination. Ready, sir ? 




Weddeebukn. 
Yes, v/s, Mr. Bichard. 

Dick. 
H'ni! [To himself] Hallo! Here is a short 
leader. [Beading.] " It will not be difficult to 
find an excuse for Mr. Wedderburn's ignorance of 
the affairs of the bank." 

Wedderburn. 
[Eagerly. .] Ah! That's good — that's just. 

Dick. 

[To himself] It will be difficult, they say here. 
Wonderful what a word does. 

[There is a rat-tat-tat at the outer door. 

Dick. 

[Laying down the paper.] Excuse me. 

Wedderburn. 

[To himself] It will not be difficult to find an 
excuse for Mr. Wedderburn — an excuse for Mr. 
Wedderburn. 

[Dick opens the door. Dr. Delaxey and 
Euth. dressed as a nurse, but veiled, are 
outside. 



1 7 o SWEET LAVENDER 

Dr. Delaxey. 

Thank ye, Mr. Phenyl. Thank ye. [Cheerily, 
pointing to Weddeebukx.] Come, now, look at 
that ! That's the sort of constitution that's the 
ruin of my profession. 

[Dick closes the door. Ruth touches his arm. 

Ruth. 
\In a whisper.'] Mr. Phenyl! 

Dick. 
Ruth! 

Dr. Delaxey. 

Wedderburn, I've brought ye a lady from my 
new Home, just as a companion for your sister and 
Minnie. I've told ye about my beautiful Home. 

Wedderburx. 
Thank you, Delaney, but I'm quite strong now. 

Dr. Delaxey. 

I know that — but it's you strong chaps that 
require looking after. Think of the ladies — 
they're getting as white as the ceiling ; and poor 
Mr. Phenyl, who's hoarse with reading aloud to 
you. Mr. Phenyl. \_Beckoning to Dick. 

\Yedderburx. 

[Feebly to Ruth.] I hope I wasn't discourteous, 
ma'am. Every one is very good to me — very good 
to me. 



SWEET LAVENDER 171 

RUTH. 

[In a low voice.'] Mr. Wedderburn. 

[Weddeeburn starts and looks up. 

Wedderburn. 
\_In a whisper.] Who is it ? 

RuTH. 

Ruth. 

Wedderburn. 

Ruth — Ruth! 

Ruth. 

I am the nurse that Doctor Delaney speaks of. 
Do you wish me to remain, Mr. Wedderburn ? 

Wedderburn. 
[With an effort, in a loiv voice.] Yes, Ruth. 

[He sinks back into his chair, staring for- 
ward. She removes her bonnet and cloak. 

Dr. Delaney. 

[Softly to Dick.] That's all right. [Aloud.] I'll 
be with ye again in ten minutes, Wedderburn. 
[Nudging Dick.] A. delicate, but successful ex- 
periment. Come, I'll tell ye how I put the pieces 
of the puzzle together. 

[Dick and Delaney go into the other room. 

Ruth. 

If Mr. Phenyl was reading to you shall I take 
his place ? 



172 SWEET LAVENDER 

Wedderburn. 
[Passing his hand across his brow.~] You are 
merciful to me, Ruth. You come to me when I am 
ill, broken, in misfortune. 

Ruth. 

It is my calling now to soften pain, to try to 
banish suffering. 

AYedderburn. 
But I — I ruined your life for you. Do you for- 
get that ? 

Ruth. 
No — I remember it. A week ago I had every 
reason to fly from this house, where I had lived 
undisturbed and peacefully for so many years; but 
when the good doctor told me you were lying here, 
stricken down, I remembered — I remembered. 

[Covering her face with her hands. 

TYedderburn. 
Ruth, my girl. 

Ruth. 
[Recovering herself, and laying her hand upon h is 
arm.'] Ah, I am forgetting why I am here. The 
doctor will scold me. 

Wedderburn. 
For what ? For helping to ease my heart ? 
Ruth, I have suffered. I have stared the world in 
the face as if I were an honest man, and bragged 
of my shrewdness and hard common-sense. I have 
only been playing a loud tune to drown my con- 
science. I — I have suffered. 



SWEE T LA VENDER 1 73 

Ruth. 

Hush, Mr. Wedderburn, hush ! Not now ! 

Wedderburn. 
Ruth, I have never forgotten the woman I be- 
trayed and broke my promise to, eighteen years 
since. I have never forgotten the time when you 
asked me if I was ashamed of the poor girl who 
hung upon my arm in the lanes about Barnchester, 
and the answer I gave you. Your look of shame 
and reproach as you left me has been always with 
me, and it was the ghost of that look which struck 
me down here, a week ago. 

[Burying his face in his handkerchief. 

Ruth. 

You've been too hard upon yourself, Mr. Wedder- 
burn. You were right — I was not a fit wife for you. 
And now we are growing old ! Forget it and suffer 
no more. 

[She breaks down and leans her head upon 
the back of the chair, weeping.~\ 

Wedderburn. 
But why talk of my sufferings, Ruth ? What 
have yours been ? 

Ruth. 
Less than I deserved — because you know, sir, 
Heaven had mercy upon me, and consoled me. 

Wedderburn. 

Ah ! I remember. They call you Mrs. Rolt here 
— you were Ruth Rawdon at Barnchester. You 



174 SWEET LAVENDER 

are a widow, with a daughter whom Clement has 
become attached to. I remember. 

'[She goes back a step or two, staring at him. 

Ruth. 

[Under her breath.] Mr. Wedderburn — I am 
not a widow — I have never married. 

Wedderburn. 

Never — married. 

Ruth. 

[ With a low erg.] Oh, Mr. Wedderburn ! I call 
myself a widow to keep my child ignorant of my 
disgrace. It would kill me for her to know. [In a 
ivhisjier.] But — Lavender is more than seventeen 
years old. 

Wedderburn. 

[Repeating the words to himself.] More than 
seventeen years old. [Looking at her for a moment, 
then stretching oat his arms appealingly.~\ Ruth — 
Ruth! Tell me! [She slowly sinks on her knees 
beside him.] 

Ruth. 

Geoffrey, I thought you guessed I had been 
faithful to my first love. ' I took my secret with 
me from Barnchester, because I was too proud to 
beg for compassion ; but when you found mother 
and child here, you might have guessed the truth. 
[Turning aivay, iveeping.] Ah, how lightly you've 
always thought of me ! 



SWEET LA VENDER 175 

Wedderbuex. 
[Taking her hand.'] Ruth, I am utterly bank- 
rupt. I have lost strength, fortune, comfort — all 
that makes age endurable. But what I've lost now 
is little compared to what I flung away eighteen 
years ago — the love of a faithful woman. 

Lavender enters with Minnie, both dressed 
for going out. 

Ruth. 

Lavender ! 

Lavender. 
[Going to Ruth.] Mother, dear mother, don't be 
angry with me ! Mother ! 

Wedderburn. . 
\_In a whisper to himself, sinking into the arm- 
chair.'] My child ! 

Clement enters hurriedly. 

Minnie. 

[Running up to him.] Clement ! Look here ! 

[Lavender goes to Clement and clings to 
him. 

Clement. 
Lavender ! Mrs. Rolt ! 

Lavender. 

Ah, Clement ! 

Dick and Dr. Delaney enter. 



176 SWEET LAVENDER 

Lavexder. 

[Passionately. ,] Mother ! I read that Mr. Hale 
had become poor, and I came here this morning -to 
ask if it was true. It is true ! There's no reason 
for separating us now. Clement, no one shall take 
me away again if you wish me to stay. I'll be poor 
with you. I'll share all your struggles. I'll slave 
for you, I'll be a true patient companion. And if 
ever you're rich again, and tire of me, as they say 
3^011 will, I'll remember the days when you loved 
me, and won't complain — I promise. Mother, you 
mustn't treat me as a child any longer — I'm a 
woman. I can't go back to Miss Morrison's ! I 
won't ! Clement,* keep me with you ! Keep me 
with you ! Keep me with you ! 

[There is a knock at the door. 

Clement. 
[Putting his arm round her.~] For ever, Lavender, 
forever. Father, you hear ! Father! 

[Lavexder sits in the window recess with 
Clemext, and they are joined by Dick and 
Dr. Delaxey. There is another knock at 
the door, Minnie opens it, and Mrs. Gil- 
filliax enters, followed by Horace. 

Mixnie. 

Mamma! Oh, look here ! 

MRS. GrlLFILLIAN. 

Mrs. Eolt ! 

MlXXIE. 

[Seeing Horace.] Oh, Horace ! Horace ! 

[She embraces Horace impulsively. 



SWEET LAVENDER 177 

Mrs. Gilfillian. 

Good gracious nie ! Why, Mrs. Bolt, you're 
surely not the nurse Doctor Delaney promised us ? 

Dr. Delaney. 

[Going to Mrs. Gilfillian and taking her 
hands.] Mee dear lady, with the acuteness which 
is your characteristic, you've hit it. Mrs. Rolt 
came into my beautiful Home a week ago. She 
didn't wish it known, and it was no business of 
moine to divulge it. But when I wanted to pre- 
serve the roses in your own cheeks, ma'am, it was 
Mrs. Rolt who volunteered to help in a work for 
which all humanity should be grateful. 

Mrs. Gilfillian. 

[To Ruth, shaking hands with her.'] Well, I'm 
sure I'm much obliged to Mrs. Rolt. {Looking 
round and discovering Lavender.] Why, -here's 
your daughter ! 

Dr. Delaney. 

Oh, yes, ma'am, we allow beautiful flowers in a 
sick room — [pointing to the window] — if you 
keep the window open. 

Ruth. 

[Falter ingl y.~] I — I did my best. Lavender 
has been away — at school. 

Dr. Delaney. 

But the poor little thing chirrups for her mother 
— hen and chick, ma'am. 



178 SWEET LAVENDER 

Mrs. Gilfidliax. 

[Dubiously '.] Um — and sire follows you here. 
A coincidence. 

Dr. Delaxey. 

[Stroking It is chin.'] Coincidences occur in the 
best regulated families. The most delightful 
part of this one is that Mrs. Rolt happens to be an 
old acquaintance of Mr. Wedderburn's. 

Mrs. Gilfilliax. 

Old — old acquaintance ? 

Wedderburx. 

Yes, Clara, an old acquaintance. [He rises, sup- 
porting himself upon Ruth's arm.] Clement — 
Lavender ! 

Ruth. 

[Softly to Wedderburx.] My secret, my se- 
cret ! You'll not — 

[Clemext and Lavexder come to them. 

Wedderburx. 

\_Falteringly.~] Clara, my dear boy, and you, 
my dear girl, it is quite true. I knew Mrs. Rolt 
years ago, when she was — unmarried. This lady 
did me the honour to believe in me, to love me, 
until, very wisely, she perceived that I was not 
worth her devotion — and we parted. But, Clem- 
ent, you are wiser, better, braver than I was. Boy 
as you are, you have secured the prize I missed, 
by discovering that the only rank which elevates a 



SWEET LAVENDER 179 

woman is that which a gentle spirit bestows upon 
her. Lavender, my dear, come here. [Taking her 
hand as she comes to him timidly.^ Lavender, you 
will be my boy's wife, so you must try to forgive 
my old unkindness to your mother, and learn to 
call me father. 

[He draws her to him and hisses her. Then 
Ruth takes Lavender aside. 

Clement. 

[To Wedderbukn.] Ah, dad, didn't I describe 
her faithfully ? Isn't she sweet and good ? 

Wedderburn. 

Yes, Clement ; but, Clara, what are we to say to 
Minnie ? 

Mrs. Gilfillian. 

[Testily.'] There, don't talk about Minnie ! I 
wash my hands of her and everybody else. It 
appears I know nothing about anyone or anything. 
I ought to have been buried years ago. As for my 
daughter, she throws a letter out of a window ad- 
dressed to a gentleman — it falls "into my hands, 
and I, having left my spectacles at home, actually 
ask that very gentleman to read it. Don't talk to 
me, anybody. 

Minnie. 

Don't be sorry about me, Uncle Geoffrey. Of 
course, Pve been very fond of Clem for many years, 
but — I'm engaged to Mr. Bream, now. 

Wedderburn. 
To Mr. Bream ? 



180 ' SWEET LAVENDER 

Minnie. 

[Looking towards Horace.] Horace ! Advance ! 

Wedderburn. 

And how long has this been going on ? 

Horace. 

Well, it has been going backwards and forwards 
and all round for some months, but it has only 
been going on for about — 

Mrs. Gilfillian. 

For about ten minutes ! 

Horace. 

[To Dick.] Mr. Phenyl. [Returning the tea- 
S2?oon.~\ I am eternally obliged to you — your 
property, I believe. 

Dick. 
Oh, thank you. [Looking at the spoon.] Bad 
omen ! Dented ! 

[There's a rat-tat at the door. Clement 
opens the door and admits Mr. Maw. 

Clement. 

Dad, here's Mr. Maw with the news ! 

Maw. 

[Breathlesshf going to Wedderburn and shak- 
ing hands with him.'] Mr. Wedderburn, I am 
pleased, I am delighted to acquaint you with the 
result of the private meeting of the creditors of 
the Bamchester Bank. [To Dick, tvho is walking 
away.] Ah, don't go, Mr. Phenyl, please. 



SWEE T LA VENDER 1 8 1 

Dick. 

[Coming to Maw, uneasily.'] Awfully busy — 
back in five rninutes. 

Maw. 

[Holding his arm.'] No, no. The principal cred- 
itors, animated by the example of one of their num- 
ber, have resolved to put Wedderburn's Bank upon 
its legs again — with every prospect of restoring 
confidence, sir, and discharging its old responsi- 
bilities. 



Mr. Maw ! 



Wedderburn. 



Maw. 



And who do you think has turned the tide of 
Barnchester opinion in your favour, sir ? [Pointing 
to Dick.] Mr. Phenyl, who has formally acquitted 
the Bank of the liability of the amount of the late 
Mr. Vipont's fortune. 

Wedderburn. 

Richard ! [Dick comes to Wedderburn, who 
takes his hand, and sinks back into the armchair. 
Ruth comes quickly to Wedderburn.] 

Mrs. Gilfillian. 

[Throwing her arms round Dick's neck.] Oh, 
Mr. Phenyl ! 

Dick. 

[ Uncomfortably.] Thank you — thank you. 



182 SWEET LA VENDER 

Mrs. Gilfillian. 

Oh, what a lot of good there is in you ! [Still 
clinging to Dick.] Be quiet ! Let me have my 
cry out. 

Dick. 

[Quietly to Clement.] Clement, my boy — aunt ! 

Clement. 

[To Lavender.] What did I always say Dick 
was! 

Horace. 

Mr. Phenyl, you are worthy of our side. 

Minnie. 
[Impulsively kissing Dick.] Dear Mr. Phenyl. 

Dick. 

Thank you — thank you. [Leading her across to 
Horace.] I beg your pardon. 

Wedderburn. 

Mr. Phenyl — Richard — you will not, I hope, 
refuse to make your home with us at Barnchester. 
We live to repay you for your sacrifice, and we 
shall never cease to point to you as our best friend. 

Dick. 

Thank you, Mr. Wedderburn, but I've no fancy 
for the searching light of the country. Notwith- 
standing some slight moral repairs, the seams of 
my coat are prematurely white, my character radi- 
cally out at elbow. If you choose to continue my 



SWEET LAVENDER 183 

acquaintance, you will find, me here ; and if you'll 
be seen with me abroad, why, we'll walk down 
Fleet Street. 

Horace. 

I share your devotion to this old city, Mr. Phenyl. 
London has given me the most fascinating compan- 
ion. 

Dr. Delaney. 

London, sir ! Why, London contains the largest 
number of patients of any civilised city in the world. 

Mrs. Gilfillian. 

And the best-hearted doctors in the world. 

Minnie. 

It is always very full of Americans. [Putting 
her hand in Horace's.] And some people like 
Americans. 

Wedderburn. 

Yes, yes, we'll speak well of London. For in 
this overgrown tangle some flowers find strength to 
raise their heads — the flowers of hope and atone- 
ment. [Taking Ruth's hand and holding it. To 
Lavender.] What do you think, my child ? 

Lavender. 

I think, sir — [going towards Clement] — what- 
ever Clement thinks, always. 

-«► 
Clement. 

And I agree with you, father — London is a most 



1 84 SWEET LAVENDER 

beautiful garden. [Taking Dick's hand.] Hasirt 
it grown Dick here ? [Drawing Lavender to him.'] 
And ah, dad ! you can even pluck sweet Lavender 
in the Temple. 



THE END. 



<£, 



I A f& 



